“We believe in establishing peace, not buying it”
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD)Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday reiterated the administration’s steadfast commitment to eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the goal is to establish a lasting and just peace, not a temporary or transactional one.
Speaking at a public event in Srinagar, LG Sinha said the administration will uphold justice without discrimination—“no innocent will be touched, but the guilty will not be spared.” He emphasised that the battle against terrorism must go beyond neutralising individual terrorists to dismantling the entire infrastructure that enables and supports violence.
“It’s not just a terrorist who needs to be dealt with, but also the entire machinery that facilitates terror—financial, logistical, and ideological,” he said, while highlighting the crucial role played by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in this effort.
Critique of the Past, Promise for the Future
Lamenting past policies, LG Sinha said that individuals with terror affiliations were once offered government jobs, while victims of terrorism were neglected and left to struggle alone. He stated that this injustice is being reversed under the current dispensation.
“Naya Jammu and Kashmir is not just a slogan—it’s a reality that has taken shape over the last few years,” he said.
He also spoke about the administration’s recent outreach to families affected by terrorism. “On July 13, we handed over appointment letters to 40 terror victim families in Baramulla. Some of these youth lost their fathers when they were just toddlers. Today, we are ensuring that their pain is acknowledged and that justice is delivered,” LG Sinha said.
New Era of Opportunity
LG Sinha painted a picture of transformation across the region, noting how stones have been replaced by pens and laptops in the hands of the youth. He pointed out that shutdowns and hartals are now a thing of the past, and academic institutions remain functional throughout the year.
“Gone are the days of separatist slogans and bandh calendars. Today, our calendars are filled with national and international events,” he said.
He cited the rise of startups, innovations, and industrial activity as signs of a new economic dawn in the Union Territory. Cultural and religious freedom too, he said, has expanded. “People can now participate in Muharram processions, Eid Melas, and go out with their families without fear. Cinema halls have reopened; life is returning to normalcy,” he said.
Call for Unity and Vigilance
Concluding his address, LG Sinha urged the people to support the efforts of security forces. “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict—it is the presence of justice, opportunity, and hope. And we are committed to making that peace a permanent reality,” he said(DD)