Home Minister Amit Shah met a 24 member delegation from Jammu and Kashmir’s Apni Party led by Altaf Bukhari in New Delhi today. He assured them that the NDA Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take all steps for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Shah expressed confidence that visible changes will be seen on the ground in the next few months. He emphasised that there is no intention of the government for demographic change in the region and all such talks have no basis at all. He said that government will work with all sections of society to realize the hopes of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir at an early opportunity.

Allaying the apprehensions of the delegation on restrictions, Mr Shah said all decisions on relaxations are based on ground realities and not due to any pressure. The Home Minister assured the delegation that Jammu and Kashmir will have a better domicile policy than other states in the country and said that a reasonable Economic Development Policy will be drafted soon after widespread consultation. He emphasised that there is no discrimination in implementation of central laws in Jammu and Kashmir and interests of all sections will be taken care of.

The Home Minister said that soon an industrial policy will be announced for rapid economic development and a Land Bank has already been created. On the issues of reservation, he said that a Commission will be set up soon and reiterated that no injustice will be done to Gujjars, nomads and other communities.