Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is “on its last legs,” pointing out that only one local youth has joined a terror outfit so far this year.

Addressing a gathering of Pahari Tribal Community here, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “J&K has suffered from terrorism for a long time. Security forces, the Army, police, and administration are doing their work, but as citizens of J&K, it is our responsibility to ensure that we don’t indulge in any activity that leads to disruptions.”

LG Sinha reaffirmed that the situation on the ground has changed drastically and the days of large-scale violence are behind J&K. “The record-low recruitment into terrorist ranks reflects the faith of the youth in peace and progress,” he added.

He noted that stone pelting, once a major concern in the Valley, has “become history.” Stressing Pakistan’s continued interference, he remarked, “We have such a neighbour who gets a stomach-ache every now and then. Instead of focusing on its own problems, Pakistan keeps meddling in our affairs,” he said, adding, “When Pakistan was formed, it attacked J&K and has lost four conventional wars. Pakistan knows very well that it cannot defeat Indian Army in the battlefield.”

The LG said that over the years, more than 40,000 people have lost their lives due to terrorism in the region. He cautioned people against falling prey to misleading propaganda. “Narratives cause big damage. If our statements resemble what is written on the social media handle of The Resistance Front (TRF), it is dangerous,” he said.

*ABROGATION OF ARTICLE 370 IMPORTANT MILESTONE*

LG Sinha underlined that major changes followed the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which he termed “an important milestone” in J&K’s history. “All laws implemented in the rest of the country were extended to J&K,” he said, adding, “Children received the Right to Education, sanitation workers benefited, and key laws such as those for Dalits and the Minimum Wages Act were implemented here after 2019.”

The LG noted that steps like granting Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Pahari community, strengthening the Forest Rights Act, and launching Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas reflect the government’s commitment to social and economic justice. “Now equal rights are being given to you, and you will receive them — no one can stop you. What is your right will be given to you,” he said, urging people to maintain unity and brotherhood.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “Empowerment of tribal communities is the top priority of the Central Government. There is need for continuous efforts to ensure the development of the community who were provided Scheduled Tribe status by the Parliament last year as their prosperity is fundamentally linked to our inclusive growth goal,” he added.

Responding to the demands put-forth by the representatives of the Pahari community, the Lieutenant Governor said it will be ensured that Pahari Ethnic Groups enjoy their rights as per the act passed by the Parliament.

The Lieutenant Governor urged the tribal communities and all the sections of society to stand united against terrorism and actively counter extremist propaganda to safeguard peace and stability.

INDIA FASTEST-GROWING ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD

He also highlighted India’s growing strength, stating that the country is now among the fastest-growing economies in the world. “After independence, our growth rate remained low for a long time, but after the 1990s, momentum picked up. It is essential that the benefits reach everyone, and corruption, which creates many obstacles, must be eradicated,” he said.

LG Sinha further noted that terrorism and left-wing extremism have significantly declined across the country, particularly in the Northeast, and expressed confidence that Naxalism will soon be eliminated. “J&K has suffered for a long time, and its end is necessary,” he added.

Calling for self-reflection and active participation in nation-building, the LG said, “We must ask ourselves what we have done for the country that has given us everything. I hope we will work for the welfare of India.” (KNO)

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the ecosystem of subversive and anti-national elements in Jammu and Kashmir is in the “ICU” (Intensive Care Unit) and urged people to ensure that these elements do not get any oxygen from any side.

Addressing an event here, LG Sinha, according to KNO said, “During the past five to six years, Jammu and Kashmir has taken a significant flight towards development and prosperity, but there are still some individuals who are unable to digest this progress.”

He said, “Certain elements are still trying to instigate civilians. These need to be exposed and dealt with firmly. One dirty fish spoils the entire pond. Even a single subversive element is enough to disturb peace. People should come forward and inform security forces about such elements so that law can take its own course.”

Calling upon influential people not to mislead the public, LG Sinha urged them to contribute towards making Jammu and Kashmir a part of Viksit Bharat. “India is the fastest growing economy in the world. During the past five to six years, J&K’s economy has doubled. We need to maintain this pace and carry it forward,” he said, adding that unprecedented progress has been achieved across the Union Territory in recent years.

Taking a dig at Pakistan, the LG said, “Unfortunately, we have a neighbour who, through terrorism and a few subversive elements, is hell-bent upon disturbing peace. But things have changed—the places that were once discussed for all the wrong reasons are now hosting Tiranga rallies. “Today the tricolour flies high in Pulwama and Lal Chowk. After the Pahalgam terror attack, Kashmir stood up against terrorists and sent out a clear message. This is no ordinary change, it’s a big change.”

LG Sinha reiterated that security forces are committed to protecting innocent civilians while dealing strictly with the guilty. “The day is not far when J&K will be terrorism-free. We have to provide a terror-free J&K to future generations,” he said.

The LG also underlined the importance of selfless service and said that serving humanity without expecting anything in return is a noble virtue.

He stressed that while people often think about safeguarding their own interests, those who work for the welfare of others set the right example.

Highlighting climate change as one of the biggest challenges of the present era, LG Sinha said that Jammu faced multiple hardships in August due to natural calamities, with floods causing massive damage to infrastructure including roads, schools, and colleges. “However, the biggest loss is the loss of lives, and no amount of money can compensate that,” he said.

He recalled that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior officials had visited J&K to express solidarity with the people after the natural disasters. “Infrastructure can be rebuilt, but the damage being caused to the environment cannot be compensated. Our connection with the environment has been broken, and it is crucial to restore this balance,” he stressed.

The LG cited the words of renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, who had warned against reckless exploitation of the environment, and Mahatma Gandhi, who had said that change must begin with oneself. “It is important to strike a balance with nature. The message is clear—we must act responsibly for the sake of future generations,” he said. (KNO)

Srinagar: Congratulating the security forces, Jammu and Kashmir Police and intelligence agencies for recent successful anti-terror operations, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that war against terrorism is not over yet in the Union Territory.

Chairing the marathon Unified Headquarters (UHQ) meeting which lasted for more than two hours at Raj Bhavan here, LG Sinha, according to KNO, discussed the situation across J&K with the security top brass.

“Threadbare discussions were held on counter infiltration and counter terrorism operations,” said an official.

The meeting, he said, discussed winter preparedness, recent LoC escalation by Pakistan and other key issues. “War against terrorism is not over yet. Kinetic and non-kinetic operations must continue. We must maintain the momentum and take stringent action against terrorism and its entire ecosystem,” LG Sinha told the officers, during the meeting.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the security apparatus to proactively adapt to evolving threats, and called for “Whole of Government Approach” for effectively tackling radicalisation and drug menace.

The meeting was attended by Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and General Officer Commanding (GoC) 15 Corps Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava. GoC 16 Corps Lieutenant General P K Mishra, GoC 9 Corps Lieutenant General Rajan Sharawat, Air Vice Marshal Vikas Sharma, Army Ordnance Corps, Jammu and Kashmir, S J M Gillani, Special Director General Coordination PHQ, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti and Additional DGP CID Nitish Kumar were also among other officers present.

Pertinently LG Sinha had chaired the last UHQ meeting in May this year after the success of ‘Operation Sindoor.’ During that meeting LG Sinha had directed the security agencies to conduct “precise, intelligence-led operations” in order to neutralise terrorists and dismantle their “support cells.”

Meanwhile, an official spokesman said that after a thorough security review and discussion in UHQ meeting, the Lieutenant Governor announced the reopening of 12 tourist destinations across Jammu Kashmir, which were temporarily closed as precautionary measures after the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack which left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead.

Of these tourist spots and religious places, 5 are in Jammu and 7 in Kashmir Division.

Aru Valley, Rafting Point Yanner, ⁠Akkad Park, Padshahi Park Bijbehara, Dara Shikoh Garden in Anantnag, Kaman Post, Eco-Park Khadniyar in Baramulla, Dagan Top in Ramban, Dhaggar in Kathua, Chinkah in Reasi, Shiv Cave in Salal, Reasi, and Padri in Doda to be reopened from Monday, 29th September. (KNO)