The identity of people of Jammu and Kashmir is neither at stake nor tampered with after the abrogation of the state’s special status by the Centre, Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Thursday after hoisting thenational flag on the 73rd Independence Day here Thursday.Terming the changes introduced by the Centre as “historical”, Malik said they will open a new door of development and help various communities promote their languages and cultures in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

“These changes have removed the hurdles for economic development and prosperity,” he said.

Malik said it is surprising that in all the previous elections, focus of people was not brought on issues of ‘Roti, Kapda aur Makaan(employment, clothing and housing)’.

“In the last 70 years people were lead astray from the main issues of economic development, peace and prosperity. Instead of paying attention to these issues people were misled on issues which are irrelevant totheir lives,” he said at the Sher-i-Kashmir stadium in his address on the first Independence Day function in the Valley after the abrogation. The function was also attended by National Security Advisory Ajit Doval. Malik said the step will enable good governance, bring self-reliance and employment opportunities to people Jammu and Kashmir and most importantly the feeling of unity and equality with the rest of the country.“I want to assure people of Jammu and Kashmir thattheir identity is neither at stake nor has been tampered with. Indian Constitution allows many regional identities to prosper... Nobody should be bothered that their identity will finish because of the steps taken by theCentral government... This step can be used to promote language, culture andidentities within the state,” he said.

 “Kashmiri, Dogri,Gojri, Pahari, Balti, Sheena and other languages will have opportunity tothrive in the new set up. Various tribes and castes in the state who have nothad political representation will also find proper representation,” thegovernor said.

He said his government is committed to the safe return ofKashmiri Pandits to the Valley.“I firmly believe that the complete return ofKashmiri migrants to the Valley is possible only with the support andcooperation of all stakeholders including the civil society of the Valley whoshare a social & cultural bond with the Kashmiri migrants,” he added.

After unfurling the flag, Malik inspected the parade ofpara-military forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police led by SSP Manzoor AhmedDalal.Prominent mainstream leaders were not present at the Independence Dayfunction as they have been detained as a precautionary measure. Second-rung BJPleaders, however, were among those sitting in the stands during Malik’saddress.Unprecedented security arrangements were made in the city. All roadsleading to the stadium were sealed but people with special passes were allowedto proceed to the venue.This year, no school contingents took part in theIndependence Day parade or the cultural programme that followed it.

A group of enthusiastic people visiting Kashmir shouted“Vande Matram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” at the stadium.

Malik said the government has a zero-tolerance policytowards terrorism and sustained efforts by armed forces have ensured the defeatof terrorists.There is a sharp decline in terror recruitment and incidents ofstone pelting after Friday prayers, he said.

Talking about his one-year administration, Malik said he hastried to empower people through grassroots democracy.He said Urban Local Body electionsin October and the second-ever Panchayat polls in November-December were heldafter a long gap and people came out in large numbers to sent a clear messageto terrorists and separatists.Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy andKashmiri apple and other fruits have already created a niche for themselves,Malik said. And Investment Summit proposed later this year will focus oninvestment and expertise in these areas.