SME Times News Bureau | 15 Oct, 2019
Vice President
Naidu on Monday asserted that the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two
Union Territories will promote inclusive development and reduce the negative
impact of cross-border terrorism.
Addressing the
Indian diaspora in Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, the Vice President
expressed concern that one of India’s neighbors has been fomenting trouble in
this region by aiding, abetting and funding terrorist activities.
Naidu said that
several thousand people were killed in terror-related incidents and termed
terrorism as the enemy of humanity.
Terrorism has no
religion, he added and urged the world community to unite in isolating nations
which sponsor terrorism and ensure that funding for such activities was
stopped.
Hitting out at the
negative propaganda being carried out on Jammu and Kashmir, he urged the Indian
diaspora to effectively counter the disinformation by presenting the correct
picture.
“It is high time
to take up a campaign to stop this disinformation”, the Vice President added.
Naidu said the
recent decision to reorganize Jammu and Kashmir was intended to extend all the
laws and benefits of developmental programmes to this region and ensure
inclusive and all-round development of the State.
While pointing out
that both the houses of the Parliament approved the move with an overwhelming
majority, he said that some sections of the media and vested interests have
been grossly distorting the truth.
Asserting that
Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India, the Vice President said that
the people of the state have been electing leaders in free and fair elections
since1952.
However, many of
the programs were not reaching the citizens of the state because of special
provisions of Article 370. “Government has taken a bold decision by following
the democratic process of obtaining Parliamentary approval”, he added.
Naidu reminded the
diaspora that India is one of the most inclusive and tolerant democratic
countries in the world in which the interests of all groups including
minorities are taken care of with empathy and deep appreciation.
The Vice President
said that India is a country which had Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime
Minister’s, Supreme Court judges and Heads of Defence Forces drawn from most
prominent minority groups.
“We celebrate
pluralism, multi-lingualism and multi-religious mosaic of thought, expression
and practice”, he added.
Referring to
India’s growth story, the Vice President said that the country was making
steady progress towards becoming a USD 5 trillion economy and the third largest
consumer market in the world by 2025.
“In addition to
democracy, demand and demography-- you, the Indian Diaspora are one of the main
drivers of India’s growth”, he added.
Observing that
India offered many opportunities for business, social enterprises and cultural
connections, he invited the diaspora to join as knowledge partners and
investors in India’s transformational journey.
The enterprise and
innovation of youth has made India into the third largest Start-up ecosystem in
the world, he said.
Stating the India
was fast becoming a favorite investment destination for the world, Shri Naidu
asked the diaspora to build a bridge that connects their motherland with the
land they have chosen to live in.
“You should
contribute to the development of both countries and exemplify the true essence
of Indianness-- which is caring for others and sharing your prosperity”, he
added.
He expressed
happiness that the Indian community in Sierra Leone, though small in number has
been playing an important role in promoting bilateral ties and creating
opportunities for the economy and society.
“It is a matter of
pride for us that the Indian business community is highly respected. Today,
Indian skills and professionals are much sought after here and elsewhere in the
world”.
The Vice President
also lauded the community for continuing to nurture Indian culture and
tradition and for celebrating various festivals. He asked them to follow the
rules and regulations of their country of residence.
Naidu also said
that the government of India had decided to establish a High Commission in
Freetown to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations and to serve the
needs of the Indian diaspora.
He added that the
government of India had also taken a policy decision to have greater focus on
African nations and promote closer ties with them.