SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, urging all stakeholders to remain patient. He added that over the last five years, his administration has succeeded in firmly establishing the authority of the Indian state in the region.
In an interview to a news channel, LG Sinha reflected on the developments during his tenure and the changes brought under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“When Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019, the Union Home Minister laid out a three-step roadmap: delimitation, elections, and restoration of statehood at an appropriate time. Delimitation has been completed. Assembly elections were held peacefully, with high voter turnout. An elected government is in place. The final step—statehood—will follow at the right time,” he said.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir is now more integrated with the rest of India than ever before, but acknowledged that more work remains. Calling JK a “frontier region”, he stressed the need for continued control over law and order by the Centre, particularly given ongoing cross-border threats.
“Terrorism remains part of Pakistan’s state policy. It continues to push foreign militants into our territory. But our security forces are alert and fully capable of countering such threats,” Sinha said.
He pointed to a significant drop in local militancy recruitment. “Earlier, 100 to 150 local youths would join terror outfits each year. Last year, only six or seven joined. This year, only one case has been reported. This reflects rising public trust in peace and governance,” he added.
Centre Committed to Peace, Development
Reflecting on achievements over the past five years, LG Sinha said the region has witnessed major progress in infrastructure, investment, tourism, and digital governance.
“When I arrived in 2020, the journey from Jammu to Srinagar took 8 to 9 hours. Today, it takes just 4.5 hours due to large-scale infrastructure upgrades. Over Rs 1.5 lakh crore is being invested in tunnel construction alone,” he said.
He noted that private investment in the region rose from Rs 1,400 crore to nearly Rs 30,000 crore, with projects worth Rs 10,000–Rs 12,000 crore already operational. Power generation capacity has grown by 3,100 MW, in addition to the existing 3,450 MW.
Sinha said that over 2.38 crore tourists visited the region in the last year. “We now offer 1,146 public services online, and land records have been fully digitised. PMGSY has been expanded to include more villages as per the 2011 Census, with Rs 4,000 crore sanctioned for this purpose,” he said.
He also mentioned the establishment of institutions such as IIT, IIM, AIIMS, NIFT, and seven new medical colleges.
From Lockdowns to Stability
Sinha noted a clear improvement in the overall security environment. “There have been no lockdowns or strikes in recent years. Stone pelting has ended. Nightlife has resumed. The drop in local militant recruitment is evident,” he said.
He credited this shift to greater public confidence and coordination among the police, Army, and Central forces. “Under the leadership of the Home Minister, we’ve conveyed a clear message—peace will not be purchased; it will be enforced.”
On Pakistan’s role, he said attempts to send infiltrators continue. “Operation Sindoor reflects our stance—every act of terror is treated as an act of war. We’ve shown our strength and sent a message to our hostile neighbour,” he said.
Humanitarian Approach to Terror Victims
During a recent visit to Baramulla, LG Sinha said he met families affected by terrorism over the past three decades. “Many had not received compensation or jobs due to procedural delays. Yesterday, 40 individuals from terror-affected families were given government jobs. We are also resolving pending compensation cases, helping them file FIRs, and providing support for self-employment,” he said.
He added that the administration is taking a “whole-of-government” and humanitarian approach to rehabilitation.
Governance and Coordination with CM
Commenting on the division of powers between the LG and the Chief Minister, Sinha said the framework is well-defined under the JK Reorganisation Act.
“My relationship with the Chief Minister is cordial. I operate strictly within my constitutional limits. We meet regularly to address governance issues and ensure smooth coordination,” he said.
Responding to former CM Mehbooba Mufti’s claim that government employees from a particular community are being targeted, Sinha stated: “Article 311 is a constitutional provision. Any dismissal is based on proper investigation and credible evidence. No innocent person is harmed. However, those involved in activities against national security will face strict legal action.”
‘Naya Kashmir’: Peace, Progress, and Hope
LG Sinha said a new phase is unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir. “From the return of Muharram processions after 35 years to the revival of cinema halls and festivals, the change is visible. Aspirations once thought distant are now within reach. This is Naya Kashmir—peaceful, progressive, and full of opportunity,” he said. (KNO)
