SRINAGAR: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha today stated that there is no longer a need for the United Nations Office in Srinagar, citing improved conditions in Jammu and Kashmir. However, he clarified that the decision falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Speaking in an interview with a national news channel, Sinha was asked whether the UN office should be closed since the focus has now shifted from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He responded, “The issue is not in my domain. The External Affairs Ministry will be in a better position to decide. But there is no need for the UN office now in Srinagar.”
Sinha emphasised that before the formation of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, the priority was peace, development, investment, and employment. “If the elected government shares the same agenda, there will be no issues between us,” he said. On being asked to assess the performance of the Omar Abdullah-led government, Sinha remarked that four months is too short a time to make a judgement but noted that he has a good working relationship with the administration.
He highlighted that both the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government have clearly defined powers under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. “Together, we can drive Jammu and Kashmir towards greater development. Over the past five to six years, Jammu and Kashmir’s economy has doubled, per capita income has increased, and Jammu and Kashmir Bank has turned around from a Rs 1,200 crore loss to a Rs 1,700 crore profit,” he added. Sinha also mentioned the upcoming inauguration of the Kashmir train service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a significant step for the region’s connectivity and development.
On the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Sinha said that most of their issues have been addressed and that they will return when peace is fully restored. “Hopefully, we will soon see the day when Kashmiri Pandits live peacefully in their homes in the Valley,” he said. Rejecting claims by certain politicians that peace in Kashmir has been “forced,” the Lieutenant Governor pointed to the resurgence of Bollywood and Hollywood movie shootings, successful Muharram processions, thriving cinema halls, booming tourism, and increasing industrial investments as proof of genuine stability.
“The Government of India is committed to establishing permanent peace in Jammu and Kashmir, and significant success has been achieved over the past five years. Stone-pelting is history, businesses are flourishing, schools and colleges are operating normally, and the youth have aspirations similar to the rest of the country,” he asserted.
Sinha remarked that whenever peace is restored in Jammu and Kashmir, “the neighbour feels the pain,” hinting at Pakistan’s discomfort with the progress. He noted that the peaceful conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, appreciated both nationally and internationally, has not gone down well with adversaries. He also revealed that no top terrorist commanders are surviving in the region, and local terrorist recruitment is at its lowest level. “People now walk along the banks of the Jhelum River late at night, a clear sign of normality,” he said, attributing the transformation to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the entire government.
When asked about PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s opposition to the termination of government employees allegedly linked to anti-national activities, Sinha stated that the process will continue after due identification and preparation of dossiers. He also defended the government’s employment policies, asserting that 40,000 jobs have been provided in the most transparent and merit-based manner.
