Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, May 24: Invoking Surah-Nisa and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that Islam preaches peace, brotherhood and unity.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of a new guest house at Dargah Hazratbal here, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha cited verses from Surah Nissa and emphasized that Islam teaches peace and togetherness. “Among the names of Allah in the Quran is ‘Arsalan’—meaning peace and security. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly emphasized that the path to Allah is peace. Jannat is called Darul Salam—the abode of peace. Jammu and Kashmir, too, has always been Darul Salam.”
“Some people have left no stone unturned to destroy this Darul Salam (J&K) and all of us know who they are. They need to be punished for their misdeeds,” he added.
The Lt Governor said that April 22, Pahalgam terror attack wounded the soul of India. “The victims were asked their religion before being killed. It was an attempt to destroy the soul of Kashmir,” he added.
He praised the Indian armed forces for swiftly avenging the barbaric act by destroying nine terror camps within just 23 minutes. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear any terrorist act against India will be considered as an act of war and a befitting reply will be given. This time terrorists have been taught a lesson as nine terror bases were decimated within a span of a few minutes,” LG Sinha said.
“The entire Jammu and Kashmir stood united in grief and anger against the Pahalgam terror attack. The people of Kashmir rose in protest, expressing their outrage on the streets. This is the new face of Jammu and Kashmir—resolute, courageous, and intolerant to terror and its sponsors. Not only the country but the entire world saw how people of Kashmir expressed solidarity with the family members of the victims,” LG Sinha said.
He said, “Terrorism cannot survive in this blessed land that houses Baba Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi.”
The Lt Governor did not mince words in blaming Pakistan for continuously sponsoring terrorism in the region. “Since independence, Pakistan has done everything to disturb the peace in J&K. From sending Kabalis in 1947 to the present day, terrorism has been their state policy,” he said. “Their own people struggle for basic needs, while their leaders, despite holding a begging bowl, continue to fund terrorism in India.”
He warned that India now treats every act of terrorism as an act of war. “The message is clear—terror will be met with a befitting response. The days of tolerance are over” LG Sinha, said.
He appealed to the elderly, scholars, and civil society to play a greater role in isolating those who support terrorism. “Just as the people of Kashmir exposed the face of Pakistan on the streets, it is time to expose those among us who support terrorists and their actions. Their punishment should be equal to that of the terrorists.”
The Lt Governor also warned against divisive rhetoric and exploitative practices, subtly criticizing statements that provoke communal divisions. “It’s unfortunate some people talked about state sponsored invasion. Such utterances also create problems.”
Without naming anyone, he said, “People who hold important positions or have held important positions in the past should avoid issuing statements that divide people on communal lines. Their statements only empower disruptive elements.”
Referring to his meeting with hoteliers prior to the Pahalgam terror attack, LG Sinha said, “I had told them sselling a Rs 10,000 room for Rs 50,000 is not just unfair, it is unethical. Uparwala dekh raha hai, kab tak bardasht karay ga (God is watching how long He will tolerate).”
Highlighting the transformation Jammu and Kashmir witnessed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, LG Sinha said, “The last five years have brought peace, development, and a surge in tourism. Youth were marching ahead on the path of prosperity. The Pahalgam attack aimed to derail this progress, but it will not succeed.”
“Peace is essential for progress. Let us unite to eliminate terror and its supporters. Let us carry forward this mission for a better tomorrow. It’s not only the duty of the security forces to eliminate terror, people too have to play their role; they cannot act as mute spectators,” he added.
