Amit Shah Unveils Book on Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, Highlights Region's Integral Role in India’s Heritage and Development

Shri Shah expressed confidence in reclaiming Kashmir’s lost glory, both in terms of development and cultural heritage.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, released the book 'Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through the Ages: A Visual Narrative of Continuities and Linkages' in New Delhi. The event witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries, including Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and editor of the book.

In his address, Shri Shah commended the National Book Trust (NBT) for dismantling long-standing myths about India’s unity and independence through this publication, presenting a compelling visual and factual narrative of the country's geo-cultural fabric. Key Highlights from Amit Shah’s Address:

India’s Geo-Cultural Identity: Shri Shah emphasized that India's unity is not defined merely by geopolitical boundaries but by its rich geo-cultural identity. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, the country has been historically unified through shared cultural practices, languages, and spiritual philosophies. The Home Minister called for historians to focus on India’s millennia-old cultural heritage rather than interpretations influenced by colonial narratives.

Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh’s Rich Legacy: Shri Shah remarked on the distortions in the historical interpretation of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. He noted that the book demonstrates, with compelling evidence, the region's historical ties with the rest of India, drawing references from texts over 8,000 years old. The book highlights the region’s significance in shaping Buddhism, Shaivism, and Sufism, portraying Kashmir as a center for spiritual, cultural, and intellectual evolution.

Abrogation of Article 370 and its Impact: Highlighting the Modi government’s milestone decision to abrogate Article 370, Shri Shah stated that it dismantled a structure that had sowed seeds of separatism and terrorism in Kashmir. Post-abrogation, the region has witnessed a 70% decline in terrorist incidents, increased industrial development, and record-breaking tourism with over 2 crore visitors in 2023. Stone-pelting incidents have dropped to zero, and democratic roots have strengthened with 25,000 elected representatives actively contributing to the region's progress.

Transformative Development in the Region

Shri Shah detailed significant infrastructure advancements under the Modi government, including:

• World’s Largest Railway Arch Bridge and Asia’s Largest Tunnel.
• Establishment of premier institutes like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, and nine medical colleges.
• Introduction of 4G and 5G connectivity to 87% of the region's villages.
• Expansion of cultural events like Krishna Janmashtami processions at Lal Chowk in Srinagar, a sign of Kashmir's re-emerging vibrancy.

The government has also rolled out an ₹80,000 crore development package for Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Inclusion

The Home Minister emphasized that languages such as Kashmiri, Balti, Dogri, Ladakhi, and Zanskari have been revitalized through official recognition and governance initiatives. He highlighted Kashmir’s inclusivity, where diverse faiths like Buddhism, Shaivism, and Sufism have thrived for centuries.

Future Vision for Kashmir and Ladakh

Shri Shah expressed confidence in reclaiming Kashmir’s lost glory, both in terms of development and cultural heritage. He reaffirmed that the Modi government’s efforts have reintegrated the region into India’s geo-cultural identity, ensuring its development in step with the rest of the country. Quoting Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Shri Shah reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is not just a part of India but an inseparable part of its soul.

The event concluded with a call for historians and researchers to document India’s history with pride, showcasing its rich and diverse heritage to the world.