Following the latest terror attacks that have shattered normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan made an emotional appeal on Friday and exhorted citizens from all over the nation to come to the Valley and stand in solidarity with its people.
"I want to make an announcement to my citizens that the people here are ready to greet with their hearts full of love and warmth. So, come here without fear and create a new example of love and brotherhood," Chouhan announced in a press release.
The minister was addressing the press on the sidelines of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology's sixth convocation ceremony. His visit is against the backdrop of a sharply visible dip in tourist arrivals ever since the awful terror attack on April 22 in Pahalgam killed 25 tourists and a local pony handler.
Relating his experience of staying in Srinagar, Chouhan stated, "I have been in Srinagar for the past two days, and have been with the people all along. The serenity of the air, fragrance of the earth, the natural beauty and affection extended by the people has captivated my heart. This indeed is the crown jewel of India and heaven on earth."
He remembered a sentimental incident during his trip to Dal Lake. "I also went to Dal Lake and rode a shikara there. A sentimental moment which touched my heart happened when a shikara wala told me, 'Mama, ask the people to come here. Our hearts are filled with love for them,'" he said.
Chouhan also called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss development plans, particularly in the fields of agriculture and rural development. He declared that the Central Government is determined to make the region a leading horticultural center.
As a part of this project, the Centre would set up a ₹150 crore clean plant centre specialising in the cultivation of apple, almond, and walnut. "Farmers require good quality, disease-free plants and the centre will deliver that. Subsidy shall also be provided to those who install private nurseries. A tissue culture lab for saffron shall further be created," said Chouhan.
He also informed about the PM Awaas Yojana that surveys of five lakh people had been conducted and those to be verified as beneficiaries would be given houses soon.
While addressing SKUAST students, Chouhan was hopeful about the future of the institution and stated, "We are number five in the state universities ranking, and I think we will reach number one soon."
A former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, Chouhan underscored the possibility of Kashmir apple industry and its international reach. "We need to make India the food basket of the world," he further said.
