SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has re-emerged as the “Paradise on Earth” following the abrogation of Article 370, said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday, while launching the coffee table book ‘Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir’ by photojournalist Ashish Sharma at an event held in the national capital.
Hailing the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Lieutenant Governor stated that the Union Territory has witnessed unprecedented transformation and peace since 2019. “Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, we have built a Jammu and Kashmir free from all kinds of discrimination, fear and insecurity,” said LG Sinha.
The book, which visually documents the development and socio-economic progress of J&K over the last five to six years, was described by the LG as a “testament to the region’s transformation” and a “chronicle of hope through Ashish’s lens.”
Highlighting two landmark dates in the Union Territory’s history 5 August 2019, marking the abrogation of Article 370, and 6 June 2024, the inauguration of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link—the LG called them pivotal in unifying Kashmir with the rest of the nation, both politically and physically.
“We do not believe in buying peace but in establishing it,” said the LG, reiterating his administration’s commitment to security, without compromising the dignity of innocents. “I had given a clear vision to the security agencies – do not harass the innocent, do not spare the guilty.”
Referring to the government’s approach to governance, the LG said the administration has largely succeeded in realising the vision of the ‘4 Ps’—Peace, Progress, Prosperity, and People First.
“Our infrastructure has developed at an unprecedented pace, the economy is witnessing robust growth, and our youth are becoming job creators. Around one million people have been self-employed over the last four years,” he added.
LG Sinha also highlighted the revival of Kashmir’s urban vibrancy and ecological consciousness, citing improvements in nightlife, urban development, and restoration of lakes and rivers. “Nightlife symbolises a city’s spirit, and the Valley has regained that vibrancy.”
He cautioned against “fear mongers” attempting to mislead the public for political gain. “Let them do their politics, but not at the cost of the unity and integrity of the nation.”
Dignitaries present at the event included former Union Minister of State Ms Meenakshi Lekhi, President of IGNCA Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Member Secretary Dr Sachchidanand Joshi, and Director Prof. Ramesh C. Gaur, among others.
