SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that the Centre remains committed to restoring statehood to the Union Territory and urged people to place trust in the assurances given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament.
In an interview with a national television channel, Sinha described the statements made by the country’s top leadership on statehood restoration as significant, adding that they should be taken seriously by the public.
He noted that the Prime Minister and the Home Minister had earlier stated in Parliament that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time after the completion of delimitation and Assembly elections. Referring to the recently held Assembly polls, he said the elections were conducted peacefully, with strong voter participation and without incidents of re-polling or stone-pelting.
The Lieutenant Governor further said that assurances made on the floor of Parliament carry both constitutional and political weight, and are well understood by those familiar with parliamentary procedures.
On the present administration, Sinha said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is functioning effectively, while avoiding direct comment on repeated demands by the National Conference for immediate restoration of statehood.
He stated that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed notable improvements in peace, stability, and economic activity over the past few years. Sectors including tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, and overall development, he said, have shown marked progress.
Sinha also claimed that Jammu and Kashmir Bank, which had previously faced financial difficulties, is now operating profitably, while development projects across the Union Territory have gained momentum.
Referring to the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, he said security forces responded swiftly and neutralised those involved in the incident. He added that precise operations were carried out within 72 hours under “Operation Sindoor”.
On the security situation, the Lieutenant Governor said militant recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir has declined significantly and asserted that several senior militant commanders have been eliminated through sustained counter-terror operations.
Sinha further said narcotics trafficking and terrorism are interconnected, alleging that proceeds from drug smuggling are often used to fund militant activities. He said security agencies have intensified action against drug networks, including the registration of FIRs and attachment of properties linked to the trade.
He further stated that regional discrimination in Jammu and Kashmir has ended, adding that the administration is now focused on border area development, youth welfare, rehabilitation of families affected by terrorism, and countering radicalisation through technology-driven measures.
