Governor Kavinder Gupta backs Shashi Tharoor's remarks on Jammu & Kashmir, says "he rose above politics"
Shimla, June 23
The Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, on Tuesday endorsed Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's recent remarks on the improving situation in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the parliamentarian had spoken the truth and risen above political considerations to acknowledge the ground reality.
Speaking to mediapersons in Shimla after paying floral tributes to former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on his 93rd birth anniversary, Governor Gupta said Tharoor's observations reflected the significant transformation witnessed in the Union Territory over the past several decades.
Tharoor had recently posted on the social media platform X following his visit to Jammu and Kashmir, describing the progress towards normalcy as encouraging while noting that certain challenges still remained.
Responding to a question on Tharoor's comments, Gupta said the Congress leader's statement was accurate and based on facts.
"What Shashi Tharoor has said is absolutely correct. The country has closely witnessed and experienced the situation in Jammu and Kashmir over the years, and there has been a remarkable improvement in the region," Gupta said.
The Governor noted that the Jammu and Kashmir of today is vastly different from what it was around 35 years ago.
"Compared to the situation three-and-a-half decades ago, Jammu and Kashmir is much better today. The voice of terrorism has been significantly suppressed. The activities and slogans that once dominated the discourse are no longer visible, and people are visiting the region with greater confidence," he said.
Gupta said sustained efforts by the country in the areas of security and development had helped restore public confidence and create a more normal environment in the region.
"A stigma had become attached to Jammu and Kashmir over the years, and the nation has worked hard to remove it. Improved security arrangements and development initiatives have strengthened public trust and contributed to normalcy," he added.
Praising Tharoor's approach, the Governor said the Congress MP had made a balanced assessment of the situation.
"It is a good thing. Shashi Tharoor is a good leader. He has given his statement by rising above politics and acknowledging the reality on the ground," Gupta said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Let's be honest - it's easy to praise now when terrorism has been brought under control. But we need to acknowledge that normalcy came at a huge cost, especially for the common Kashmiri families who lost loved ones. Tharoor is right to point out both progress and remaining challenges. Balanced take, finally! 🙏
My family went to Srinagar last year for the first time in 25 years - the difference is night and day. Hotels were full, markets were buzzing, and everyone was so welcoming. Governor Gupta's statement about stigma being removed is spot on. Tharoor should be commended for rising above politics.
What about the human rights issues though? I agree terrorism has reduced, but there are still many problems like internet shutdowns and lack of political freedom. Tharoor's comments are good for optics, but let's not pretend everything is perfect in paradise. We need a more nuanced conversation. 🤔
I'm glad our leaders can agree on something for the nation's interest. Shashi Tharoor is an intellectual giant and Governor Gupta is a seasoned administrator. When they both say things are improving in J&K, it gives us hope. More of this bipartisan approach please! ❤️
Talk is cheap. Show me the jobs and development numbers. Yes, terrorism is down, but what about the lakhs of unemployed youth in the valley? Tharoor is a good politician but even he can't ignore the economic distress. Governor Gupta should focus on development instead of just praising others.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.