Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said the transformation of Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 reflects the power of peace, development, equal rights and good governance.
He also asserted that terror, separatism and stone-pelting have given way to democracy, development and public participation after Article 370 was removed.
“More than 780 terrorists have been eliminated since 2020, local recruitment has ended, and stone-pelting has been erased. Now Jammu & Kashmir is witnessing a historic security transformation,” Sinha said, addressing the UT Foundation Day celebrations at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar.
The LG extended greetings and best wishes to the people of Jammu & Kashmir on the occasion of the 8th J&K UT Foundation Day and paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, an official press release said.
It said addressing the gathering, he congratulated the citizens of J&K and acknowledged the contribution of farmers, teachers, scholars, writers, artists, artisans, traders, workers, security personnel, youth and women in building a prosperous and self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir.
He observed that the occasion carried special significance as it coincided with the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, whose vision of national unity continues to inspire the country.
Sinha said the developments of 2019 marked an important chapter in the journey towards integration, equality and development. “Today is not merely a date; it is a milestone that changed the direction of history and strengthened the spirit of national integration, equality and inclusive development,” he said.
The LG noted that the changes witnessed in J&K since 2019 have expanded opportunities for citizens and strengthened the foundations of democracy.
He highlighted that the implementation of grassroots democratic institutions and the conduct of assembly elections have enhanced public participation and accountability.
“Article 370 abrogation gave ordinary citizens freedom from fear and access to rights denied for decades. Jammu & Kashmir has emerged as a model of peace, development and good governance,” he said.
Referring to the aspirations of the people, the LG said that the future of Jammu & Kashmir must be shaped by peace, equal opportunities and development.
“The future of Jammu and Kashmir lies not in the shadow of terror, but in the light of peace; not behind the walls of discrimination, but in equal opportunities; and not in stagnation, but in the momentum of progress,” he stated.
He said that terror, separatism and stone-pelting have given way to democracy, development and public participation after Article 370 was removed.
“We did not buy peace; we established peace. Zero-tolerance policy crippled terror networks and restored normal life across Jammu & Kashmir. Since 2020, more than 780 terrorists have been eliminated, local recruitment has ended, and stone-pelting has been erased. Now Jammu Kashmir is witnessing a historic security transformation.
“Strong action against narco-terrorism continues. We have arrested thousands of drug smugglers and drug peddlers this year. Their illicit assets have been attached, and drug-funded mansions were demolished. Conflict entrepreneurs who profited from separatism and terrorism stand exposed. People of Jammu & Kashmir have embraced peace, progress and national integration,” he said.
Sinha emphasised that unity is sustained through justice and public trust, and called upon all institutions and citizens to work together for good governance, compassion and inclusive development.
“Public trust must be won not merely by promises, but by deeds. Justice and accountability are the strongest foundations of unity,” he added.
Highlighting the importance of extending the benefits of development to all sections of society, the lieutenant governor observed that the true measure of transformation lies in the lives of those who were deprived of opportunities for decades.
He underlined the need to ensure that growth remains inclusive and reaches every household, village and community.
He also spoke about the changing aspirations of the younger generation in Jammu & Kashmir, and noted that children and youth are growing up in an environment focused on education, opportunity and progress, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
Stressing the importance of peace for economic growth and social progress, Sinha said a stable and peaceful environment benefits every section of society, including farmers, entrepreneurs, traders, students and workers.
He appealed to citizens to embrace harmony, respect diversity and actively participate in J&K’s development and said that the safe and dignified return of displaced communities and the strengthening of social trust require collective commitment and cooperation.
“My dream is that by 2047, Jammu & Kashmir should emerge as a model of prosperity with a modern economy, world-class healthcare, excellent education and a vibrant cultural heritage,” he said.
Calling on the people to work together for a brighter future, Sinha said, “Let us build a Jammu & Kashmir where there is trust instead of fear, opportunity instead of scarcity, justice instead of injustice, and where every young person and every woman finds wings for their dreams.”
Earlier in the day, the LG administered the ‘Unity Pledge’ and flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ to mark the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’.
A documentary film by the Information Department on J&K’s transformational journey was also screened.
Chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; DGP, Nalin Prabhat; Additional Chief Secretary Home Department, Chandraker Bharti; Principal Secretary to LG, Govind Jaiswal; IGP Kashmir, Sujit Singh; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; senior officials of police, security forces and civil administration; prominent citizens, heads of various educational institutions, members of civil society and youth in large number attended the function.
