SRINAGAR, Oct 31: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today said that terror, separatism and stone-pelting have given way to democracy, development and public participation after abrogation of Article 370 which he described was discriminatory.
Addressing a gathering here on the 8th J&K UT Foundation day, Sinha said that by abrogating article 370 and establishing J&K as a Union Territory the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Government established peace in the region.
“We did not buy peace, we established peace. Zero-tolerance policy crippled terror networks and restored normal life across Jammu and Kashmir. Since 2020, more than 780 terrorist eliminated, local recruitment ended, stone-pelting erased. Now Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a historic security transformation,” he said.
The LG said 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 that 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.
Sinha noted that the changes witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir 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 and Kashmir has emerged as a model of peace, development and good governance,” he added.
Referring to the aspirations of the people, the LG said that the future of Jammu and 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.
Sinha said that with Article 370 gone, a 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 and Kashmir have embraced peace, progress and national integration,” he said.
The LG emphasized that unity is sustained through justice and public trust. He 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 said.
Highlighting the importance of extending the benefits of development to all sections of society, the Sinha 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.
The LG also spoke about the changing aspirations of the younger generation in Jammu and Kashmir. He 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.
Sinha stressed the importance of peace for economic growth and social progress. He said that a stable and peaceful environment benefits every section of society, including farmers, entrepreneurs, traders, students and workers. He expressed satisfaction that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are increasingly participating in developmental initiatives and contributing to the region’s growth story.
The LG also outlined key priorities for the coming years, including employment generation, youth empowerment, strengthening agriculture and allied sectors, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, tourism development, women’s empowerment and transparent governance.
He stressed the need to equip youth with skills relevant to the changing global economy and encouraged greater participation in entrepreneurship, innovation and sports. He also called for sustained efforts to strengthen agriculture through modern technologies, climate-resilient practices and value addition.
Calling upon the people to work together for a brighter Sinha said, “Let us build a Jammu and 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.”
