Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 27: 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, Lt Governor Manoj Sinhasaid, “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.”
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 Lieutenant Governor 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.
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 Lieutenant Governor 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.
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.
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)
