Says media must stand as pillar for J&K
Nadeem Nadu
Jammu, Feb 10 :
Calling the media a “strong pillar of the nation,” Minister Satish Sharma on Monday said journalists have a crucial responsibility to safeguard Jammu and Kashmir at a time when people are “suffering badly” due to years of misgovernance and alleged large-scale corruption.
Speaking during an interaction, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), Sharma said whenever politics weakened the country, “people from the media and public platforms stepped forward to protect it.”
“You are a strong pillar. Today, you are needed to take care of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding, “Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.”
The minister launched a scathing attack on what he termed as “loot and inaction” over the last 11 years, alleging that it would take another decade to undo the damage caused.
“They have done nothing in the last 11 years. It will take us another 11 years to repair this. Officers have indulged in 100 percent looting,” Sharma alleged.
Highlighting steps taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Sharma said the government has started reforms from the lowest and poorest sections of society.
“We began with the poorest of the poor. Ten lakh people were freed from burdens. Five to six lakh special children had their rent waived. Women were relieved earlier. Did anyone even acknowledge this?” he questioned.
Referring to transport-related protests, Sharma alleged that a few “self-styled individuals” were misleading others for personal interests.
“These are planted people with eight-eight cars. First check their papers, their history of the last 20 years. See who is genuine and who is not,” he said, adding that a proper inquiry into transporters and their vehicles was already underway.
The minister asserted that genuine stakeholders have nothing to fear.
“Good transporters should not suffer. Those who are misguiding and provoking them will be identified. We will talk to them and resolve it,” he said.
Maintaining that he believes in dignified dialogue, Sharma said, “I can speak harshly too, but I am an educated person. I know what to say and how to say it.”
He concluded by assuring that accountability would be fixed and justice ensured, urging the media to remain vigilant and responsible. “Don’t worry. Things will be set right,” he added. (KNC)