During the Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, several members raised questions concerning tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai responded on behalf of the government. BJP MP from Uttar Pradesh, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, inquired about the implementation of the Prime Minister's package in the region. In response, Nityanand Rai stated that the Prime Minister's package was introduced in 2015, with 58,477 crores allocated for development across 15 ministries. Out of 53 projects initiated, 35 have been completed or are near completion. Projects including AIIMS, IIM Jammu, and others have been successfully executed. Displaced persons from PoK and refugees from Pakistan are also benefitting from this package.
Dr. Dinesh Sharma also posed a supplementary question regarding the provision of jobs and housing for Kashmiri Pandits. In response, Nityanand Rai mentioned the oppression faced by Kashmiri Pandits, leading to their exodus due to a conspiracy under vote bank politics. He informed the House that over 2,000 flats have been completed and more than 4,000 are under construction. Regarding employment, out of 6,000 positions, 5,724 candidates have been appointed, with the remaining positions being filled. The government is committed to ensuring resettlement and employment for all displaced individuals.
NCP MP Fauzia Khan raised concerns about the unregulated tourism and inquired about the eco-tourism policy. In reply, Nityanand Rai announced that in 2023, 21 million tourists visited the region, thanks to the clean and peaceful environment. He pointed out that the growing number of tourists is a testament to the improved conditions, questioning Khan's intentions regarding tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Promod Tiwari Raises Issue of Terrorist Activities
Congress MP Promod Tiwari raised concerns about terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and asked how many soldiers had been martyred in the past ten days. The Speaker advised him to stick to tourism-related questions. Tiwari countered that security is a crucial concern for tourists. The Speaker reassured that security measures for tourists are in place and emphasized that questions should remain topic-specific.
28 Terrorists Eliminated Recently
Replying further, Nityanand Rai highlighted the increased tourism in Kashmir, despite a dip during the COVID-19 period. He noted the record number of tourists from 2014 to 2023-24 and contrasted it with the period from 2004 to 2014. Emphasizing security, he reported that 28 terrorists have been eliminated in recent days, though some soldiers have also lost their lives. The number of martyred soldiers is significantly lower compared to terrorists.
Minister Lists UPA Era Statistics
Nityanand Rai presented data on terrorist incidents from the UPA era, stating that from 2004 to 2014, there were 7,217 incidents, whereas from 2014 to July 2021, there were 2,259 incidents, which, although unfortunate, should not be politicized. He assured that the Modi government's zero-tolerance policy on terrorism would ensure either incarceration or elimination of terrorists.
Decreased Criminal Incidents
The Minister mentioned that from 2004 to 2014, combined security and civilian deaths amounted to 2,829, while in the past decade, the number dropped to 941, marking a 67% reduction. Criminal incidents decreased by 69%. Post the abrogation of Article 370, the army has neutralized approximately 900 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Rai pointed out that terrorism's roots trace back to India's independence and partition. Currently, schools, colleges, and hospitals are thriving, and people are living in peace. He encouraged not to politicize security matters for votes.
