Saudi daily praises Kashmir’s revival after Article 370 abrogation

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A newspaper from Saudi Arabia, a pivotal state in the Islamic world, has wholesomely praised the revival of Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.</p>
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A write-up in  Saudi Gazette has spotlighted that once known for stone pelting, Kashmiri youth are entering new avenues opened for them after Kashmir was mainstreamed in the Indian Union following the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35 A in August 2019. </p>
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Following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, there were global apprehensions that the State will flare up in violence and unrest. Contrary to that the youth have responded very positively to this historic change and reciprocated actively to various measures introduced by the Government.</p>
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"What was indeed heartening to witness was the sea change in the Kashmiri youth. Moving from being a part of stone pelting mobs they welcomed the new avenues opened to them. They have eagerly taken to the development initiatives and showed an ardent desire to become a part of the progress and prosperity of new India’s mainstream. Even local militants who surrendered after August 5, 2019, have been rehabilitated to become a part of the national mainstream," the daily said in its commentary. The write-up follows the rise of India and Saudi Arabia as strategic partners under the stewardship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.</p>
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<strong>Scholarships</strong></p>
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The article  pointed out that the  central government’s special scholarship scheme for Jammu and Kashmir students has helped many youth from poor family backgrounds to get admissions in professional colleges across the country. In fact, many of them have completed their degrees and have even taken up jobs in big corporate houses within the country and abroad. "The Indian government has remained firm in its decisions to ensure that the region is pulled from the quagmire of uncertainty," it said.</p>
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<strong>Training the youth</strong></p>
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The daily added that many Kashmiri youths have been imparted training under the “Himmayat” scheme and have been benefited in terms of getting jobs in companies across the country. It noted that the boom in sports activities allowed youth to come forward and showcase their abilities and skills. Youth-oriented initiatives taken by the Central Government have infused new life and enthusiasm in Kashmiri youth, who during the past three decades were being misguided by evil forces to take up arms in a proxy war against a welfare state.</p>
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<strong>Uniting through Sports</strong></p>
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Recently, PM Modi in his inaugural virtual address had observed that holding such an event is a step toward making India’s presence felt in the international winter games arena and also make Jammu and Kashmir a hub of winter sports.</p>
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He stressed that the Gulmarg games show that Jammu and Kashmir is eager to reach new heights of peace and development and these games will strengthen the resolve for “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat” (One India, best India) objective.</p>
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Further the Government’s determination to build optimum sports infrastructure in the UT is reflected in the development of two Khelo India Centres of excellence in Jammu and Srinagar and other Khelo India Centers in 20 districts, which will facilitate young players.</p>
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<strong>Tourism the heart of the State</strong></p>
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Tourism was always considered as the major attraction of the State. With a view to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and to bring the Union Territory back again on India’s tourism map, a number of initiatives have been taken recently by the Central and UT Governments.</p>
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One such initiative is opening up Asia's largest tulip garden for the public since March 25, 2021, marking the beginning of the new tourism season in the region. The majestic tulip garden, previously known as Siraj Bagh, is located on the foothills of the snow-clad Zabarwan Mountains overlooking the famous Dal Lake, and houses over 15 lakh tulip flowers of more than 64 varieties, and those will bloom in the garden to make it a tourist’s paradise during the scenic Tulip festival.</p>
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Besides, the Government has also reopened, from March 21, the historic Badamwari garden in Srinagar that is currently witnessing an almond bloom also known as "Badam Waer".</p>
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<strong>Renovation of religious sites</strong></p>
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Famous for religious sites for the development of tourism activity, effort is also being made by the authorities on the renovation and redesigning of key religious sites besides renovating vital markets.</p>
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Under the “Smart City” project, 20 religious sites in Srinagar are set to get a facelift to attract a footfall of tourists into the city.</p>
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Religious sites which are being renovated include Dargah Hazratbal shrine, Makhdoom Sahib shrine, Imam Bada Pandrethan, Syed Haider Sistaini Hyderpora, Ganesh Mandir Barbar Shah Srinagar, Razak Sahib Narwara, Jenab Sahib Soura, Ded Mouj Jinab Sahib Soura Anchar, Mirza Shah Sahib Hasanbad, Khankha Moa’la, Shankar Aschariya Temple, Naqsband Sahib Nowhatta, Chatti Padshahi Rainawari, Syed Mian Shah Nowpora, Saint Luke Church Dalgate, Raghunath Mandir Fateh Kadal and Gurudwara at HMT highway.</p>
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Besides renovation of religious sites which would be completed by the end of July 2021, vital markets in the downtown area of summer capital Srinagar would be redesigned while inducting modern technology into it apart from the uplifting overall infrastructural standard of the city.</p>
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<strong>Night flight!</strong></p>
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Among other developments, the first night flight has started operating from Srinagar Airport on March 18, 2021, marking the dawn of a new era indicating improvement in air connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. This significant development will boost the tourism sector of Jammu and Kashmir as it will increase the tourist footfall in the region and this will substantially help in the economic growth of the UT as the tourism sector forms the core of the economy here.</p>