Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 5: Stating that music has replaced the sounds of bullets and grenades in J&K during the past six years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday urged people to remember and uphold the sacrifices given by the security forces and others to establish peace in the Union Territory.
Delivering a keynote address at 2-day International Symposium on “Peace, People and Possibilities in Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory”, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinh said, “During the past five to six years, a new Jammu and Kashmir has been built where the echoes of violence have been replaced by the sounds of music. The walls of schools are no longer terrified by the sound of stones — today, they resound with the laughter of students.”
Referring to south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts, once considered sensitive zones, LG Sinha said these towns have now become vibrant hubs of education and opportunity. “Roads that once stood deserted are witnessing life again, and fields that were once blood-ridden are now flourishing,” he said.
Highlighting the visible change in Srinagar city, the Lieutenant Governor said, “Polo View and Lal Chowk, which were once deserted, are now brimming with activity. What couldn’t change in 30 years has been transformed within just five to six years — and that was no easy task.”
He said Jammu and Kashmir has always been an abode for people of all religions and communities, emphasizing the need to uphold the legacy of unity and brotherhood. “We must remember the contributions of our ancestors and the sacrifices made by our security forces and common citizens to restore peace in the region,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that peace has returned to J&K after immense sacrifice and effort. “Everyone must follow the rule of law for peace to prevail. Where the rule of law is not established, peace cannot exist, and without peace, development cannot take place,” he asserted.
Warning against disruptive elements, Sinha said, “Even today, there are some remnants of the terror ecosystem who, by speaking in the language of Pakistan, seek to disturb peace. We must identify and expose such elements, ensuring that they have no space in our society.”
He referred to the spontaneous protests by locals against terrorists following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack as a strong message of collective rejection of violence. “This is a new Jammu and Kashmir where people stand united against terrorism,” he said.
He urged every citizen to work together and honour the peace secured by countless sacrifices of soldiers, police, and civilians.
Calling for mutual empathy as a foundation for peace, LG Sinha said, “Sympathy and understanding towards each other are prerequisites for lasting peace.”
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for playing a vital role in restoring peace and stability in the Union Territory.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Jammu and Kashmir is moving towards a future defined by harmony, growth, and opportunity,” the LG said.
Praising the international symposium, LG Sinha said that the theme of “Peace, People and Possibilities” has been chosen with deep thought and reflects a strong and forward-looking vision.
He said the “voice of the Dal Lake and the whisper of the Chinar trees will together influence peace,” adding that peace means the ability of individuals to live freely, with dignity, and in harmony with themselves and others.
“True peace,” he noted, “is when people can live by their own will, without fear or loss, and where dialogue and mutual respect shape the foundation of society.”
He said peace is visible in J&K today — in the dignity of ordinary citizens and in their growing opportunities. “The common Kashmiri has become the symbol of this peace — shaping it through hard work, resilience, and collective progress,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that when people overcome differences and work together, they build the path to unity and prosperity. “Kindness, cooperation, and compassion are the true strengths of our people,” he remarked.
He observed that peace, community, and possibility together can transform any land into a garden of hope, and that “the power of unity builds a society where innovation and creativity thrive.”
“The convergence of Peace, People and Possibilities ensures that new energy and purpose reach every citizen,” he added.
Sinha hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and leadership for making possible what once seemed impossible in J&K.
Quoting Indian saints and thinkers, he said, “The time has come to rediscover the path and the dream of our forebears — to live in harmony as Yogini Lalleshwari and others envisioned, and to fulfil the national aspirations with dedication.”
He invoked Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s teachings, saying that they must continue to guide our lives and institutions. “Our Rishis in the Yajurveda taught that we must see each other with the spirit of friendship. For sustainable peace and progress, people must advance with values, harmony, and brotherhood,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid tribute to the sacrifices of JKP personnel, Army, and civilians who laid down their lives for peace. “Their sacrifice must always be remembered, and our efforts for peace must continue,” he emphasized.
The Lieutenant Governor called on citizens, innovators, scientists, doctors, police, civil administration, and the armed forces to work together as one unit in the service of the nation.
He said, “We must remain vigilant against challenges to peace and development. Our youth must stay away from radicalization and drugs.”
The Lieutenant Governor recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s words: ‘Be the change you wish to see in the world.’ He urged everyone to begin that change within themselves, for peace and progress to truly flourish in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the strong resolve to dismantle terror ecosystem and affirmed the commitment to maintaining peace, justice and equity.
“We are determined for strengthening socio-economic development and to turn the dreams of our youth into reality,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the people of Jammu Kashmir are the very heartbeat of peace.
He called upon all sections of society to work as a single, unified force against elements attempting to disrupt peace, and to counter the threats of drug addiction and youth radicalization.
He said everyone must follow rule of law for peace, progress and prosperity.
Dr Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board; Swami Jitendranand Saraswatiji; Prof Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir; Prof. (Dr.) Geeta Singh, National President, Vishwagram; heads of educational institutions, senior Officers of Civil & Police Administration, members of Vishwagram, thinkers, academicians and youth in large number were present.
