SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday held a high-level interaction with religious leaders, civil society members, and heads of trade and industry bodies at Raj Bhawan, calling for united efforts to safeguard social harmony and national unity amid ongoing cross-border tensions.
Speaking at the meeting, LG Sinha warned against attempts by adversaries to divide people along religious and sectarian lines. “Jammu and Kashmir is not just a geographical area. It is a symbol of peace, unity, and brotherhood. The enemy has attacked our sacred places in desperation. We must present a united front,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to boost the morale of security forces by remaining unified and resisting divisive narratives. “Our forces are responding with strength. Your unity and devotion to the motherland is their shield,” he added.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also addressed the gathering, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding civilians and protecting communal harmony. “We will not let the enemy divide us,” he said, while urging citizens and traders to report any black-marketing of essential commodities.
The meeting was attended by religious leaders including Moulvi Riyaz ul Haq, Imaam o Khateeb, Asari Sharief Hazratbal; S. Paramjit Singh, President, Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Baramulla; Revd. Vino Koul, Associate Priest, All Saints Church, Srinagar; Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi of Anjum Sharie Shian; and Shri Parshotam Lal of Shiv Shakti Sewa Dal.
Trade bodies were represented by Shri Javid Ahmed Tenga, President, KCCI, and Shri Shahid Kamili, President, FCIK, who extended support to the administration. S. Gurmeet Singh Bali, Secretary, GPC Srinagar, reaffirmed community solidarity, stating, “This country is ours and we are of this country.”
The leaders condemned recent shelling incidents and the Pahalgam terror attack. S. Paramjit Singh urged the Government of India to raise the issue of shelling on Gurudwara Sahib in Poonch at international forums.
The gathering observed a two-minute silence in memory of civilians killed in the Pahalgam attack and those martyred in unprovoked shelling by Pakistan.
Also present at the meeting were Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health and Medical Education; Javed Ahmed Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; DGP Nalin Prabhat; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri; and senior officials from the civil and police administration.
