Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Sep 11: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that for the first time since India’s independence, terrorism has been clearly defined within the framework of the criminal justice system.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating an exhibition on ‘New Criminal Laws’ at J&K Police Public School here, LG Sinha said, “Jammu and Kashmir suffered for nearly three decades under the shadow of terrorism, which pushed the region into darkness and hampered its growth and development.”
Referring to the new criminal laws, Sinha said, “The system has been devised in such a way that terrifying people, threatening the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, or indulging in any act that can disturb peace, all fall within the ambit of terrorism.”
He said that the inclusion of terrorism in the new legal framework is a historic and decisive step, as it provides greater clarity and stronger legal backing to tackle those who seek to destabilize the nation.
Sinha added that the move reflects the government’s firm resolve to ensure peace, safeguard sovereignty, and secure the lives of citizens across the country, particularly in regions that have faced prolonged turmoil.
He said that the new criminal laws will strengthen the country’s policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.
“The new laws (The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita-BNS, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita-BNSS and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, BSA) have replaced colonial-era criminal justice rules after nearly 150 years. This has marked a historic shift, freeing India’s justice system from the remnants of colonial rule and focusing on protecting vulnerable groups.”
“These three laws have completely transformed our criminal justice system and shifted the focus toward victims rather than just punishment,” Sinha said.
He said the process began in 2019 when PM Modi ordered a review of all British-era laws. “Since then, feedback was collected from all states and union territories to shape new laws, which aim to create justice and equality for all”.
Sinha added new laws have ended the colonial system of oppression, abolished the old imperial legal framework, and made forensic investigation mandatory for serious crimes.
The new criminal laws reflect India’s collective vision of justice. The prime objective of the new Laws is to protect and empower the women and weaker sections of the society. Special care has been taken to make the weaker sections, women and children priority of the justice system,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor commended the initiative of the Economic Offences Wing, J&K Police to raise awareness and educate students, parents and the general public. He said the exhibition will help in achieving broader objectives of shaping understanding on new laws and ensuring justice to the last man in queue.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the Jammu Kashmir Police to continue organizing public awareness camps on new criminal laws, in collaboration with the Information Department, Education Department and Legal Services Authority. He also stressed the importance of capacity building at all levels.
Director General Nalin Prabhat, DGP; S.J.M. Gillani, Special DG Coordination PHQ; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Sujit Kumar, IGP Security, J&K; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; senior officials of Police and Civil Administration, civil society members, teachers and students in large number were present.
