J&K governor says Jammu, Srinagar will have 24-hour power supply in winters

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik | PTI [File] Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik | PTI

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday said Jammu and Srinagar will enjoy 24-hour power supply in the winters. Malik was speaking at the inauguration of 15 power projects in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh and laying of the foundation stone for another 20 projects in the three regions.

On the occasion, he also took a swipe at ministers for saying Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK ) was the next target of the Centre.

He said the credit for uninterrupted power supply to the two cities goes to Minister of State for Power and Skill Development R.K. Singh, who was present at the function. “We promise to give 24-hour power supply to Jammu and Srinagar in the winters,” Malik said.

He said due to Singh’s efforts, the power supply line to the Nobra in Leh and to Siachen base camp will be competed in 18 months.

Malik said development in Jammu and Kashmir instead of force should entice the people of PoK to join India. “We must develop Kashmir so that people of PoK rise in revolt to join Jammu and Kashmir.”

He said Kashmiris need to be treated with compassion. “There are 22,000 Kashmiri students studying in different states and they should be treated with love...We placed officers in every state to help the students from Kashmir,’’ he added.

Malik said the media in Delhi failed to understand his statement about Jammu and Kashmir government’s Roshni Act that was meant to regularise the state's land encroached by people.

“It has proved to be a 25,000 crore scam and I have given the case for investigation to Anti-Corruption Bureau,’’ he said.

Singh said the power supply in the winter will be better than in the past and promised to visit Jammu and Kashmir in winters to check on the situation with officers from his ministry.

“The goal is to provide 24-hour supply to all the citizens of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh,’’ he said. “ Jammu and Kashmir and Ladkah have the potential to generate hydel power to not only be self-sufficient but also export it to other states.

He said by doing this, the per capita income of Jammu and Kashmir will increase like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand and the neighbouring country Nepal.