Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, stated that Jammu & Kashmir is emerging as a key driver of India's future growth story following the abrogation of Article 370. In an exclusive interview with Doordarshan News on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the abrogation, Dr Singh remarked that for the first time, the previously unexplored natural and human resources in Jammu & Kashmir have come to light. He highlighted the "Purple Revolution" from Bhaderwah, which he said represents a new wave of agri-startups with the potential to significantly enhance India's economy.

Dr Singh noted that the historic decision to abrogate Article 370 had granted citizenship rights to a large population in Jammu & Kashmir who had been deprived of them for seven decades. He pointed out that significant transformations had occurred over the past five years in the areas of democracy, governance, development, and security.

At the democratic level, Dr Singh mentioned that Pakistan refugees settled in Jammu & Kashmir had been denied voting rights for seventy years, despite two of them becoming Prime Ministers of India. He also criticised previous governments for exploiting Article 370 to serve their interests, citing an example of how a state assembly term was extended during the Emergency but subsequently restored by the Morarji Desai government, with the J&K Assembly term remaining extended due to the provisions of Article 370.

Regarding security, Dr Singh expressed that India is in the final phase of militancy. He explained that while terrorism has decreased significantly over the past decade, particularly in the last five years since the abrogation of Article 370, terrorists are now targeting softer, less strategic targets in an attempt to remain relevant.

Dr Singh also emphasised the region's recent successes, including the influx of around 2.5 crore tourists over the last two years and the successful hosting of G20 meetings in Srinagar, which he attributed to the return of peace. He noted the enhanced aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir's youth, evidenced by their recent performance in civil services, sports, and other sectors.

The Minister highlighted the abolition of interviews for junior-level jobs by his department, DoPT, which was implemented in Jammu & Kashmir only after the abrogation of Article 370. He described this as a crucial step towards integrating previously marginalised individuals into the mainstream workforce.

Dr Singh also praised the infrastructure developments in the region, including the world?s tallest rail bridge over the Chenab River and operational hydro power projects. He noted the emergence of Kathua as an industrial hub and the establishment of IIT, AIIMS, IIM, and other central universities in the region. Additionally, he spoke about the national recognition of the Lavender Cultivation from Bhaderwah, which has inspired similar initiatives in other Himalayan states and the North-East.

In conclusion, Dr Jitendra Singh attributed the peace and development in Jammu & Kashmir to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who he claimed instilled confidence in the region and positioned it as a vital component of India's development, potentially shining as the "crown jewel" of the country.