Jammu: “Every drop of blood and tears” shed in Jammu and Kashmir due to the barbaric killings of innocents at the behest of the neighbouring country will be avenged, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday.
In his address at the Republic Day function here, he also said that sustained efforts of security agencies have resulted in a marked decrease in terror incidents and that security forces have intensified direct attacks on the ecosystem that supports and finances terror.
“I want to tell those involved in the barbaric killings of innocents at the behest of the neighbouring country that we will avenge every drop of blood and tears,” Sinha said.
Four civilians were killed when terrorists opened fire at the houses of minority community members in Rajouri district early this month.
Last week nine people were injured when two explosions rocked Jammu’s Narwal region.
He assured the families, who lost their loved ones, that the entire nation stands with them and concrete measures will be taken to ensure that the families of the fallen security personnel live a life of comfort and dignity.
“Today, I bow to the brave soldiers of Jammu and Kashmir police, army and central security forces, who displayed unmatched heroism and the spirit of sacrifice in defending the motherland,” he said.
On terrorism, the LG said, 180 terrorists were neutralised last year and there has been a corresponding reduction of 55 percent in civilian killings and 58 percent among the security forces.
“The security grid has been strengthened and anti-terror operations have been intensified through direct attacks on the ecosystem that supports and finances terror,” he said.
“A befitting reply is being given to narco-terrorists and seizures and arrests in narco-terror cases have increased. During the ‘Back to Village’ programme, a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir campaign was organized in several identified panchayats. Those profiting from this vile business of death are to be blamed more than those caught in the grip of drugs and the administration is determined to rehabilitate addicted youth”, he said.
Sinha also said the upcoming G-20 meeting in Jammu and Kashmir is a “message to the enemies of humanity” and urged people of the Union territory to come forward and make it an “inclusive” event.
“The G-20 meeting being held in Jammu and Kashmir in May this year is a message to the enemies of humanity who were attacking the interests of our citizens through cowardly acts of terrorism for decades,” Sinha said.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India, is the “life blood” of the country.
Sinha said it is the guiding lamp of civilization and the “eternal sound of our social consciousness”.
“Jammu and Kashmir today stands tall with self-confidence, encompassing the great heritage and cultural values of the world’s largest republic. Today, J&K is marching forward on the path to progress,” he said.
“I urge every section of the society to come forward and make the G-20 an inclusive event,” the LG said.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir is not just a geographical entity but a vibrant and radiant ecosystem, where different faiths are the guiding force of inclusive culture.
“Jammu and Kashmir is a rhythmic dialogue of social, cultural values, plurality and tolerance. It is the aura of self-confident India. Harmukh, Amarnath, Pir Panjal and Trikuta Hills are the highest peaks of our spiritual heritage.
“The waves of Jhelum, Chenab and Tawi rivers reflect the essence of our intellectual and spiritual experiences. Since times immemorial the spiritual energy and blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi, Sudh Mahadev, Budha Amarnath have guided our society,” he said.
Sinha said that for decades, the development and aspirations of common people were held hostage by “exploitative and anti-developmental” land laws.
“Over the last two years, land owners have been empowered through a series of land reforms. Legal action is being taken against influential people who had illegally encroached upon the government land,” he said.
The LG said the people are at the centre of governance. “We have ensured that the interests of common citizens are protected and that they are not impacted by the campaign to remove illegal encroachments. We have been successful to a great extent in curbing corruption by issuing land passbooks in three languages.”
He said that so far, 28 lakh such passbooks have been distributed, and revenue records are being demystified for eliminating the possibility of manipulation.
Similarly, the new land-use laws have ensured that people get a reasonable and fair price for their land and the interest of farmers are protected, he said.
