J&K to Launch Two-Year Campaign Honouring Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee; Goyal Announces Design Hub, Backs Operation Sindoor
Srinagar, July 7 – On the 124th birth anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, and Textiles Piyush Goyal paid tribute to his legacy, highlighting his contribution to J&K’s integration into India and national unity.
L-G Sinha announced a two-year-long commemorative campaign to celebrate Dr. Mookerjee’s life and legacy across Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing his role in championing the cause of “One Nation, One Constitution, One Symbol.”
“Mookerjee Ji was a visionary statesman, educationist, and fearless Parliamentarian. His martyrdom in Srinagar for the unification of J&K remains a defining moment in our national history,” Sinha said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled Mookerjee’s dream in 2019 by revoking Article 370.
Piyush Goyal Lauds Mookerjee, Praises Operation Sindoor
Speaking at a separate function, Union Minister Piyush Goyal echoed similar sentiments, recalling how Dr. Mookerjee resigned from Nehru’s Cabinet in 1953 and entered J&K without a permit, challenging the special status conferred under Article 370.
“He died under mysterious circumstances in custody, but his sacrifice was not in vain. The August 5, 2019 decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A finally achieved his vision of complete integration of J&K with India,” Goyal said.
He also praised the people of Kashmir for standing up to terrorism and backing India’s decisive military action through Operation Sindoor, launched after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which killed 26 civilians, including tourists.
“This was not just an attack on people, but on J&K’s economy and stability. Pakistan was given a strong reply. Terrorism will meet the same fate as Maoism, with the active support of Kashmiris,” he asserted.
Industrial Boost: Centre of Excellence, Design Hub Coming Soon
In a major push to boost industrial and agricultural development in the Union Territory, Goyal announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in design, packaging, and food processing, to be set up under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
“This hub will drive innovation, packaging design, product research, and export-oriented solutions. It will integrate J&K into national and global markets,” he said.
The Centre is also planning to develop a dedicated packaging and design hub in Srinagar and install solar rooftops at the Lassipora industrial estate in Pulwama, which has 10 lakh sq. ft. built-up space.
“If we adopt green energy for production, our exports can gain higher value as certified eco-friendly goods,” he noted.
Kashmiri Apple Farmers Need Protection, Says Goyal
In a crucial policy suggestion, Goyal highlighted the need for a Minimum Import Price (MIP) of ₹75 on imported apples along with a 50% import duty, to protect domestic growers in Kashmir.
“India imports apples worth ₹140 crore. But this should not come at the cost of our farmers. We want a win-win formula for both growers and consumers,” he said.
Political Silence from Regional Parties
Notably, no regional party or member of the ruling National Conference attended any function organised in remembrance of Dr. Mookerjee, who died in a J&K jail in 1953 when Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah was the Prime Minister of the erstwhile state.
Highlights:
- J&K to launch a two-year campaign celebrating Dr. Mookerjee’s legacy.
- LG Manoj Sinha calls him the architect of modern India and a symbol of national integration.
- Union Minister Piyush Goyal praises Operation Sindoor and PM Modi’s revocation of Article 370.
- Goyal announces design & packaging hub, Centre of Excellence, and solar energy adoption in Pulwama’s industrial estate.
- Government mulls minimum import price and import duty to safeguard Kashmiri apple farmers.