Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 11: Asserting that the terror ecosystem has been crushed and now is the time to present the true narrative of Jammu Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called on thinkers and writers to rectify the distorted narratives about Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the inaugural function of Kashmir Literature Festival organised by Srikula Foundation here, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said, “Today the young historians must provide accurate and factually correct accounts challenging lies that were propagated in the region. In the last few years, new writers have tried to do justice to the injustice done to the history of India, which is an excellent initiative. Efforts are also being made to take Indian literature to the world, which is highly commendable,”
He said, “For decades, a manipulated narrative was propagated here in Jammu Kashmir. Writers and media figures grudgingly admit that, out of fear of terrorists and their ecosystem, they were forced to promote the narrative being pushed from across the border in the Valley. The terror ecosystem has been dismantled and now is the time to present the true narrative of Jammu Kashmir, free from all bias and fear of gun, to strengthen the trust and accelerate socio-economic growth,”
“The terror ecosystem has been dismantled and now is the time to present the true narrative of Jammu Kashmir, free from all bias and fear of gun, to strengthen the trust and accelerate socio-economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
“There were people connected with the terror ecosystem and even today, a few still try to control the narrative. The narrative propagated by those sitting across the LoC was deliberately promoted for years,” Sinha remarked.
He also called for correcting the narrative regarding Jammu Kashmir by identifying the misinformation and countering it with verified facts.
The LG asserted that the administration has acted tough against elements trying to perpetuate this false narrative. However, he acknowledged that a few individuals continue to propagate the ideology of terror outfits and attempt to instigate the public.
“There are some who still have a problem with the progress and peace of Jammu and Kashmir, but the people now fully understand their motives,” he said.
Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, Sinha praised the overwhelming public condemnation of terrorism across towns and villages. “People across J&K strongly opposed Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Terrorists and their supporters have no place in our society,” he asserted, adding that the administration remains firm in its resolve to root out all remnants of the terror ecosystem.
Expressing optimism about the changing mindset of the youth, the LG said that art, culture, and music are playing a vital role in promoting positivity and unity.
“With the support of the youth and the creative community, the remnants of negativity will soon disappear. People have realized how they were misled for a long time. The day citizens join hands with the security forces, the last traces of the terror ecosystem will vanish,” Sinha said.
Terming scholars as pride of the nation, he said, “The scholar earns respect across the country and acts as a torch bearer.”
He recalled his student days when the aim of studying mathematics, science, or engineering was to create something meaningful for society.
He described a writer as an “engineer of existence” who learns and experiments in life’s laboratory, guiding society and shaping thought through words.
Reflecting on his early years, Sinha said he grew up reading great authors, including foreign writers who wrote in simple and accessible language and mentioned Mabel Collins, who wrote ‘Light on the Path’ at the age of 18 — a work that deeply influenced social consciousness.
Sinha stressed that writers are custodians of ideas — capable of preserving them, shaping the world, and promoting critical thinking.
Despite technological progress, he said, documenting history remains the timeless duty of writers.
Expressing concern over the distortion of India’s history, the Lt Governor said efforts will be made to present Jammu and Kashmir’s rich literary traditions before the world, describing the region as the “energy center of the nation.”
He stressed reviving the spirit of creative thought and called upon Indian writers to present the nation’s true history confidently before global audiences.
Highlighting Kashmir’s cultural and historical depth, Sinha said, “It is essential to weave the region’s historic transformations into words and express what we truly feel.”
He, however, noted that no modern historian can be compared to Kalhana, the great chronicler of ancient Kashmir.
The Lt Governor said expressions of poets like Habba Khatoon, Nund Rishi and Padma Sachdev emerged from the soil of Kashmir and contributed immensely to India’s cultural identity. “India’s Sanskrit heritage and Sanatan consciousness are deeply rooted in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He also noted that India’s history reflects a long-standing spirit of global dialogue. Referring to ancient texts like the ‘Nemat Puran’, he said they demonstrate India’s intellectual engagement with the wider world even in early times.
Urging the youth to draw inspiration from the wisdom of the past, the Lt Governor said learning from ancient dialogues can help the younger generation move forward with stronger ideas and vision.
Reflecting on recent developments, he said that over the last four to five years, literary festivals and book events have flourished across India. He stressed the need to expand such initiatives and connect youth to libraries, Indian classical music, and cultural activities.
Sharing an inspiring anecdote about Tansen and Akbar, the Lt Governor recalled how Akbar once wished to meet Tansen’s guru, Sant Haridas. “Tansen told him that true masters do not visit royal courts. When Akbar later listened to Sant Haridas sing by the Yamuna, he was moved to tears. When asked why he couldn’t sing like his guru, Tansen replied, “I sing to attain something, but my Guru sings because he has already attained everything.”
Sinha said India has always been the land of great saints and artists, and it is the duty of writers and thinkers to carry this legacy forward.
He said, “Writers must do research and use critical proof to challenge and correct the misleading historical accounts,”
The Lieutenant Governor said that during the colonial era and after independence a certain group of writers distorted our history to shape their ideological agenda.
The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted the need for offering new perspectives and vision to the readers in a rapidly evolving world to meet unprecedented challenges and opportunities, and understanding of nature, culture and people’s well-being.
Lieutenant General (Retd.) D.P. Pandey; Yuvraj Srivastava, Founder Srikula foundation; senior officials, prominent literary personalities, members of Srikula foundation, people from different walks of life and youth in large number attended the inaugural ceremony.
