In a significant development, the Lok Sabha has approved the amended Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill, a move heralded by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The minister asserted that the bill aims to grant representation to those who have long been voiceless, addressing the plight of individuals who were compelled to leave their homes and live as refugees for over 70 years.
According to Mr. Shah, the bill targets the inclusion of “Kashmiri Migrants,” “Displaced Persons from Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” and Scheduled Tribes in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. The proposed legislation is designed to rectify historical injustices and provide a political voice to communities that have faced displacement.
Additionally, the second bill in consideration involves an amendment to Section 2 of the Reservation Act, changing the nomenclature from “weak and underprivileged classes (social castes)” to “other backward classes.” Mr. Shah emphasized the significance of these bills in offering justice to marginalized communities.
During the parliamentary debate, Shah highlighted that the focus is on dismantling the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. He shared a poignant statistic, stating that 45,000 lives were lost due to terrorism in the region. Expressing optimism, Shah stated, “I believe the Modi government will return to power in 2024, and by 2026, I hope there will be no terror incident in J-K.” The commitment to achieving a terrorism-free Jammu and Kashmir reflects a key aspect of the government’s vision and strategic efforts in the region.
