Irfan Hussain
Srinagar, Jul 16: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reaffirmed that the statehood will be restored at an “appropriate time,” in line with the Centre’s post-Article 370 roadmap laid out after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 including delimitation, elections and then statehood.
With the first two steps completed and an elected government now in place, Sinha emphasized patience for the final step.
In an interview, Lt Governor has reflected on the significant transformation Jammu and Kashmir has undergone during his five-year tenure under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the authority of the Indian state has been firmly established in the region.
Calling J&K a “frontier area,” Sinha stressed the need for continued central control over law and order due to cross-border threats. “I believe terrorism is a state policy of Pakistan. It continues to push the terrorists into the territory. However, the security forces are vigilant and will deal with them efficiently,” he said.
Furthermore, Sinha stated that the biggest achievement during the last five years was the reduction in local recruitment in the terror groups as only one local youth has joined the ranks this year. “Earlier 100-150 youth were joining the terror groups annually, but only one such case has been reported this year, which was the outcome of rising public confidence,” he said.
“Every act of terror is now treated as an act of war. Through Operation Sindoor, we have sent a clear message to our hostile neighbor,” Sinha said.
Development milestones
Sinha highlighted major infrastructure and economic gains over the past five years, saying that the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar has been reduced from eight hours in 2020 to 4.5 hours in 2025 as due to augmentation of the infrastructure here including the tunnels and road projects.
“Private sector investment rose from Rs 1,400 crore to nearly Rs 30,000 crore, with projects worth Rs 10,000–12,000 crore already operational. Power generation capacity increased by 3,100 MW, complementing the existing 3,450 MW. Tourism boom with over 2.38 crore tourists visiting in the last year,” he said, adding, “Digital governance with 1,146 public services available online and digitization of land records. PMGSY expansion, covering more villages as per the 2011 Census with an additional Rs 4,000 crore sanctioned.”
LG Sinha said that flagship institutions like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, NIFT, and seven new medical colleges were established.
Peace and stability
The Lt Governor also added that Jammu and Kashmir has seen an end to the lockdowns, strikes and stone pelting on the behest of Pakistan, saying that the night life has come alive and public confidence has returned in the region. “The security forces including J&K Police, Army and CAPF have ensured that there are no lockdowns and strikes. Under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the message is clear that ‘we are not buying peace—we are establishing it.”
Humanitarian outreach
During a recent visit to Baramulla, Sinha said that he met with the families affected by three decades of terrorism. He said the administration is now providing jobs to affected individuals (40 offered recently), processing financial aid and supporting entrepreneurship and FIR filing.
He added that these victims have been ignored since the past three decades by either not filing the FIRs or pursuing their cases in an apt way.
Governance and coordination
Addressing governance dynamics, Sinha stated that the division of roles between the Chief Minister and the Lt Governor is clear under the J&K Reorganization Act. He described his relationship with the Chief Minister as cordial and collaborative, adding that all actions are within constitutional boundaries.
In response to former CM Mehbooba Mufti’s allegation of bias against a particular community in government service, Sinha stressed that any action taken is based on evidence and guided by Article 311, which ensures national security while protecting innocent individuals.
‘Naya Kashmir’ emerging
Sinha described a new Jammu and Kashmir as peaceful, economically vibrant and culturally inclusive. He cited the revival of Muharram processions after the gap of 35 years, Cinema halls and traditional inter-community festivals.
“Aspirations that once seemed distant are now within reach. This is Naya Kashmir, which is full of hope, peace, and opportunity,” he added.
