Srinagar, Sep 06(KNS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah affirmed his party's position on Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the region will remain an integral part of India.

While releasing the party manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said, "Jammu & Kashmir has been important for our party since Independence. We have worked to keep this land with India. Our party believes J&K has always been part of India and will remain so."

Discussing the region's challenges, Shah noted, "Until 2014, J&K faced issues of separatism and terrorism. Various actors contributed to the state's instability. All governments previously dealt with the state with a policy of appeasement." He highlighted the post-2014 period as significant, saying, "The decade after 2014 will be marked as a notable period for the state.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"

Shah announced several welfare schemes for Jammu and Kashmir. He said, "We will introduce 'Ma Samman Yojana' to provide Rs 18,000 annually to the eldest woman in each family. Two free cylinders per year will be given under the Ujjwala scheme. Under Pragati Shiksha Yojana, Rs 3,000 will be provided to college students annually as a travel allowance."

Shah criticized the National Conference (NC) and Congress for their support of Article 370, stating, "Article 370 is a thing of the past. I have seen NC's agenda and Congress's support. Article 370 is over and will not return. It contributed to the problems faced by the youth."

Shah's comments reflect his party's commitment to the integration of J&K with India and addressing local needs through various programs.(KNS).