Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jul 21: Asserting that people and history will judge what has changed in five years compared to what used to happen earlier, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that J&K has broken away from its troubled past and is embracing a brighter, secure, and development-driven future.
In an interview to a national news channel, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, reflected on the transformational journey of Jammu and Kashmir over the past five years since he took office on August 7, 2020. “Peace, prosperity, and a people-centric approach formed the bedrock of my administration,” he said.
“Stone pelting and hartals are now history. Schools, colleges, and businesses function without disruption, and nightlife has made a comeback,” LG Sinha stated, underlining the normalization of daily life in the Union Territory. “J&K’s economy has doubled in the past five years,” he added, signaling significant economic revival.
Acknowledging that development is an ongoing process, the LG said, “People and history will judge what has changed in five years compared to what used to happen earlier.”
On support for victims of terrorism, LG Sinha recounted emotional encounters with terror-affected families, including one where a man with three children was killed and only one of his sons was given a job. “These meetings moved me deeply, and we took decisions to ensure comprehensive rehabilitation of terror-hit families,” he said. He admitted that outreach to these families came late, but stressed that steps have now been taken to reopen old massacre cases, register FIRs, and return any properties that may have been seized by terrorists.
Responding to controversy over Chief Minister Omar Abdullah not being invited to security review meetings, LG Sinha said, “The State Reorganization Act, passed by Parliament, clearly defines the jurisdiction of all authorities. I work within my boundaries and enjoy a cordial relationship with the CM. Whenever we have differences, we resolve them through dialogue.”
On the biggest challenge faced during his tenure, LG Sinha said, “The full integration of J&K with the Indian state and the establishment of Indian sovereignty and authority were essential. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, we have successfully achieved both goals.”
Turning to tourism and the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, LG Sinha said that after April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, tourists had stopped visiting Kashmir. “However, the situation has improved. Over two lakh pilgrims have already participated this year in a 38-day Yatra. Hotels in Pahalgam and Sonamarg are full, and Srinagar’s hotel occupancy is at 40%,” he said, praising the hospitality of local residents for welcoming yatris warmly.
He also justified the suspension of helicopter services to the holy cave shrine this year, citing national security and past aviation accidents as reasons. “Decisions were made keeping safety and emerging drone threats in mind,” he added.
Regarding Pakistan’s propaganda and use of drones, LG Sinha said, “Operation Sindoor showed India’s strength. Pakistan’s fake narratives were exposed. Our indigenous weapons have become a strong asset.”
When asked about his future plans, the LG reiterated his commitment to honesty and dedication. He credited Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their guidance and encouragement, calling their decisions “historic” for J&K.
“The people of J&K firmly believe their future is secure with India. The only concern remains cross-border infiltration, but rest assured, we are vigilant,” LG Sinha said.
He also hailed the role of women in J&K’s progress, emphasizing their growing leadership across sectors and reaffirming the vision of “women-led development” in the region.
