Leh, Aug 28: Asserting that Article 371 would help protect unique culture of Ladakh and safeguard its interests, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Friday said that Government of India is committed to providing special provisions to the region.
Addressing a gathering in Leh, Rijiju said, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah has given a commitment to the people of Ladakh regarding special provisions under Article 371.”
“This is a very big commitment. Article 371 has special provisions for certain states. The process of providing special provisions for Ladakh, following the announcement by Home Minister Amit Shah and with the blessings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is now taking shape,” he said.
Rijiju said the earlier provisions related to autonomous councils did not provide the same level of empowerment, adding that preparations were also underway for the creation of seven districts in Ladakh.
“Earlier, there were only two districts, Leh and Kargil. Now, with seven districts, there will also be seven councils. This is aimed at empowering people at the grassroots level and strengthening democracy,” he said.
The Union Minister said, “PM Modi-led government is committed to the development of Ladakh and has assured its people that all necessary facilities, including road connectivity and telecommunications in border areas, will be provided in a time-bound manner.”
“We had said that in your border areas, complete road connectivity, telecommunication and all other facilities will be provided in a time-bound manner, one after another. The work being carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is progressing in this direction,” he said.
Rijiju said the work being undertaken by the Government of India would lay a strong foundation for Ladakh’s future, adding that development would continue in a phased manner.
“Everything cannot be done at once. The work will continue, but the commitment of our government towards Ladakh will always remain special,” he said.
PM MODI TO VISIT LADAKH
Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Ladakh again and would share his thoughts and plans with the people during the visit.
He said the Prime Minister has given special attention to the Himalayan regions, including Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, noting that these regions have distinct geographical and climatic conditions and require special focus from the government.
Rijiju also urged the youth of Ladakh to remain connected with their traditional values, culture and language.
“I am a Buddhist and we live according to our traditions. Our Rinpoches, Lamas, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lord Buddha guide us from time to time. Our way of life is passed from one generation to another,” he said.
He expressed concern that young people were increasingly learning about American and European lifestyles through the internet while becoming less connected with their elders and traditional values.
“The internet is good for information, education and communication, but we cannot learn our way of life from the internet. If I am from Ladakh, I must live according to the traditions and way of life of Ladakh. The Ladakhi language should always remain my mother tongue,” Rijiju said.
He also appealed to the youth to exercise restraint and not get provoked by content circulating on the internet.
“Peace and non-violence are the teachings of Lord Buddha,” he said—(KNO)
