Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha warned on Tuesday that the houses of those providing shelter to terrorists would be razed to the ground as he asked people to stand up against the perpetrators of terror.
He also said if security forces, the Union Territory administration and people come together, then terrorism could be eliminated from the region in a year.
“I have directed the forces not to harm any innocent but the culprits will not be spared. If anyone provides shelter to terrorists, then his house will be razed to the ground. There will be no compromise on it,” the LG said at a function in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
He said some people make statements that atrocities are being committed on those providing shelter to terrorists. “However, this is not an atrocity, but a demand for justice and such justice will continue,” he added.
Sinha said there are some people who are trying to disrupt the peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our neighbour is trying, but it does not worry us. It is the people here who are doing it on its directions (that is a cause of concern). It is not just the job of the security forces and the administration but the people as well to identify such people,” he said.
The LG said if the forces, the administration and people come together, then “it (terrorism) will not remain here for more than a year”.
“But if the people give them shelter and then say we are doing injustice to them, then that is not right,” he added.
Asking the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand up against terror, Sinha asked the gathering whether anyone has the right to kill those who work to improve connectivity in the region. He was referring to the October 20 killings of a local doctor and six non-local labourers by terrorists at a tunnel-construction site in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district.
“If people do not stand up against such elements, this scenario will never change. I think those who only issue statements for formality are worse than them (terrorists),” the LG said.
His remarks came amidst a spike in terror-related incidents in the valley.
Speaking during the Raabta-e-Awaam programme, organized by Save Youth Save Future Foundation, the LG according to an official press release reiterated the government’s commitment to empower the youth of J&K and provide them necessary opportunities and facilities to unlock their potential for a better tomorrow. He assured the talented youth that their empowerment is amongst the foremost priorities of the government.
“Our youth as fearless force of creativity and torch-bearers of positive change are building a bright and vibrant J&K. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts have been made to fulfill the hopes, aspirations and dreams of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir,” the LG said.
Emphasising the significant role of the younger generation in nation-building, the LG called upon the youth to work with team spirit while following the ideals and values of the founding fathers of the country for peace and progress of J&K.
“The combined power of the youth ignited by desire and determination to carve a new destiny for the society will be the most powerful strength in the journey of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and a joyous, peaceful, prosperous Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Sharing key reforms and initiatives of the government in the past few years, the LG highlighted the need to channelise the energy of the youth towards achieving the common goal of development and peace.
When the energy of the youth and their dynamic actions are channelised for development, cultural and social activities, then they not only work towards realizing the true potential of the region but also their consciousness, creativity, innovation and their courage impacts various developmental sectors, the LG said.
The LG also urged the youth to carry the message of peace and contribute in counter-radicalization and prevention of drug addiction.
Among the many challenges facing our youth is the challenge of drug addiction. Drug-free J&K is a step to ensure our youth realize their true potential and with hard work shape their tomorrow, he said.
Responding to the issues and demands put forth by the youth, civil society members and other sections of society, the LG assured that appropriate action will be taken to redress the genuine issue projected by them during the interaction.
On the occasion, the LG felicitated the young achievers, social workers and prominent citizens for their contribution to the society.
Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Maqsood-Ul-Zaman, DIG NKR Baramulla; Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla; Wajahat Farooq Bhat, chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, prominent citizens, members of Save Youth Save Future Foundation and youth in large number were present. (With additional inputs from PTI)
