Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said Pakistan was pushing foreign terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir as it was frustrated by dwindling local recruitment and increasing faith of people in democracy, reflected in record turnouts during the Lok Sabha polls here.
In his Independence Day speech at the Bakshi Stadium here, Sinha said that there has been a “remarkable decline in terrorism” in the past few years.
“No terror outfit has any top leadership left here. Strikes and stone pelting have been consigned to the pages of history. With dwindling local recruitment into terror ranks and the strengthening of people’s belief in democracy, our neighbouring country is frustrated.
“A country which is unable to provide basic amenities like two square meals to its own citizens, is sending foreign terrorists here to create instability and disturb peace,” he said.
The L-G said there have been some terror attacks in the Jammu region over the past few months in which several security personnel and civilians lost their lives.
“There have been some unfortunate incidents in the Jammu region recently in which we lost brave officers, soldiers and some citizens as well. I bow to their sacrifice. We have full faith in the courage and patriotism of security forces and they have been given full freedom (to deal with terrorism),” he added.
Sinha asserted the Jammu and Kashmir administration will soon put an end to such incidents.
“I want to tell the people of Jammu and Kashmir that we will soon be able to curb such incidents and we will never allow the evil designs of the neighbour to succeed.
“The people of Jammu have specifically never supported terrorism and I am hopeful that people support the war against terror,” he said.
The LG lauded the Jammu and Kashmir Police for bagging around 60 medals for gallantry or meritorious services, including five Shaurya Chakras.
“Narco-terrorism is a big challenge for us. The administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards narco-terror and terrorism. We are attacking the network of narco-terror and the administration is committed to making Jammu and Kashmir drug-free,” he said.
Sinha said a ‘Balidan Stambh’ has been constructed in Srinagar as a tribute to the personnel of the Army, police and paramilitary forces who laid down their lives in the line of duty in Jammu and Kashmir.
“I bow my head to the bravehearts of the army, police and paramilitary forces who gave their blood to lead Jammu and Kashmir on the path of peace and development. These bravehearts’ only dream was to see Jammu and Kashmir preserve the thousands of years of heritage and move forward with the pledge of ‘swaraj’,” Sinha said.
The LG said the ‘Balidhan Stambh’ will always inspire the youth to think about the sacrifices of the martyrs.
Sinha urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to turn up in large numbers for the assembly elections in the Union territory.
“The works that have taken place in the past five years have strengthened the belief of common people in democracy. The recent Lok Sabha elections are a living example of it.
“The voter turnout in these elections was the highest in any general election in the past 35 years. I am hopeful that in the coming assembly elections, the voter turnout will increase,” he added.
The Combined Voter Turnout of 58.46 percent across the UT not only signifies the “robust democratic spirit of our people, but also underscores their commitment to shaping the future of our region through the power of the ballot”, he said.
Kashmir Valley witnessed a remarkable increase in voter turnout. Rising from 19.16 percent in 2019 to an impressive 50.86 percent in 2024, “this surge reflects a renewed faith in the democratic processes. The success of these elections is also a testament to our collective efforts in promoting peace and civic engagement.
“The roots of democracy have deepened in the past five years. Today I appeal to the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir now it should be our collective resolve to ensure that the ideals of democracy should become an important part of our consciousness and our innate nature,” Sinha said.
“Four years ago, on this very day, I stood before you and took the resolve for reconstruction of Jammu & Kashmir. I promised you that the administration will create a Jammu & Kashmir where there is equality, equal opportunities, social justice, citizen empowerment, peace and prosperity.
“These resolutions have been pursued with complete honesty. Our aim has been to foster a Jammu & Kashmir where every citizen can thrive and contribute to the nation’s prosperity. This commitment is reflected in a multitude of initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other economic opportunities. Our solemn vow is to secure a future where peace and progress are the hallmarks of this beautiful region,” the LG said.
He said for the complete transformation of Jammu & Kashmir, five big dreams have been realized in the past five years. “The stigma of discrimination that has been plaguing this land for seven decades has been washed away. We have built a skilled Jammu & Kashmir, paving the way for a self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir. The gap between resources and aspirations of citizens has been bridged. Every citizen is at the center of the policies, intentions and decisions of the administration. The administration is dedicated to empower the poor, the disadvantaged and the marginalized. The wheel of time has turned rapidly. The existence of displaced persons from West Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir was attempted to be erased,” Sinha said, adding that with resolute determination, they have been fully granted ownership rights.
“Discrimination against the people of Jammu” under the name of “Gair Mumkin Khad” has been completely eliminated, and the revised policy to demarcate such land has been approved.
“Jammu and Kashmir of today is a testament to these transformative efforts, standing firm as a symbol of progress for the entire country,” the LG said.
LG inaugurates Balidan Stambh in Srinagar
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha Thursday inaugurated the Balidan Stambh at Pratap Park in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, on the eve of 78th Independence Day.
Officials said that the Balidan Stambh has been built at a cost of Rs 4.8 crore.
LG was accompanied by other senior officials who along with LG paid tributes to martyrs in whose honour the Balidam Stambh has been built.
LG takes salute at the Independence Day main function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar while some person displays Tri-colour at Srinagar’s Tower Clock at Lal Chowk. PHOTOS/Farooq Javed
