SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said that local recruitment in militant groups has dropped to zero and no commander of any outfit is alive in Kashmir.
In an interview with a national channel, LG Sinha said, “Security forces are following a clear guiding principle: Don’t touch innocents, don’t spare the culprits.”
Referring to militants shifting their focus to Jammu region, LG Sinha said: “Jammu was never a challenge, but the focus had shifted to Kashmir. Our neighbouring country played a role in infiltrating people and disturbing peace in Jammu region, but we are prepared to establish peace.” He asserted that “the people of Jammu are nationalists and will never tolerate militancy.”
On actions taken against militant supporters, LG Sinha said: “We have to wipe out the militant ecosystem.” He revealed that 76 government employees had been dismissed for supporting militancy.
He emphasised that these measures have played a pivotal role in restoring peace in the region.
LG Sinha also praised improved coordination among security forces, which has contributed to tackling militancy successfully.
Regarding the revival of Kashmir’s cultural and tourism sector, LG Sinha noted that Bollywood film shootings have resumed, and cinema halls have reopened in the region after 32 years.
Following the successful conduct of the G20 summit, the number of foreign tourists visiting Kashmir has increased significantly. International cricket, including the Legends League, has been introduced, and there is no longer a ‘shutdown calendar’—only a ‘business calendar’.
“The new generation has forgotten stone-pelting, and for the first time in 35 years, Muharram processions were allowed. People were fed up with the violence,” he observed.
Dispelling speculation of discord between the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor, he clarified, “We are on the same page when it comes to the development of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He also assured the people that the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister have both affirmed that statehood will be restored.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that steps taken to ensure transparency and accountability in governance have led to increased public trust in the system.
He highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir’s growth rate has risen by 9.5 per cent, and wasteful expenditure has been reduced. He also lauded the JAMMU AND KASHMIR Police, stating that they are different from other police forces in the country and have played a crucial role in restoring peace.
“Last year, we completed 92,000 projects. Elections were peaceful, and for the first time in 35 years, poll campaigning continued until 11 PM,” he said.
Highlighting connectivity improvements, he said, The distance between Jammu and Srinagar can now be covered in four hours. The Zojila Tunnel will be completed by 2026, Rail connectivity will be inaugurated by PM Modi soon, Air connectivity has expanded, with 126 flights operating from Srinagar daily, Jammu and Kashmir ranks number one in online services, with widespread digital connectivity and 70 per cent of Jammu and Kashmir’s Population Dependent on Agriculture & Horticulture
Addressing the economy, LG Sinha stated that 70 per cent of Jammu and Kashmir’s population is associated with agriculture and horticulture, with 13 lakh families dependent on farming.
The Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) aims to double farmers’ contribution to Jammu and Kashmir’s GDP. He credited Prime Minister Modi for revoking regressive laws that had hindered investment.
Rs 33,000 Crore Worth of Industrial Projects in Progress
“From 1947 to 2021, Jammu and Kashmir saw only Rs 14,000 crore in investment. However, under the new industrial scheme—with unmatched incentives—investment has surged. Currently, Rs 33,000 crore worth of industrial projects are in progress, with projects worth Rs 10,000 crore already operational.”
He also mentioned the creation of a land bank to facilitate new investments, ensuring that those who were previously unable to acquire land will receive it soon.
Tourism has seen growth, with 2.36 crore visitors to Jammu and Kashmir.
“Many people who owned a single hotel have now built another one in the past four years,” he said. The export of Pashmina and carpets has doubled, and horticulture products are reaching the Middle East.
He further highlighted that under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Jammu and Kashmir has remained the top-performing region for three consecutive years. (KNO)
