Srinagar, Jul 16: Reiterating that J&K’s statehood will be restored at an appropriate time and everyone needs to wait for it, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that during his five-year tenure he has been able to establish the authority of Indian state in the region.
In an interview to a news channel LG Sinha reflected on his five-year tenure and the significant transformation the region has undergone under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“When Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019, the Union Home Minister outlined a three-step process: delimitation, elections, and then restoration of statehood at an appropriate time. Delimitation has been completed, assembly elections have been held peacefully with high voter turnout, and an elected government is now in place. The final step—statehood—will happen, but at the right time,” LG Sinha said.
He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is now more closely integrated with the rest of India than ever before, but acknowledged that “more needs to be done.” Referring to J&K as a “frontier area,” LG Sinha underlined the importance of maintaining Centres control over law and order, especially in light of persistent threats from across the border.
LG Sinha said, “Terrorism continues to be a state policy for Pakistan, which persists in pushing foreign terrorists into our territory. However, our security forces remain vigilant and fully prepared to counter such threats.
“The biggest achievement, though, is the sharp decline in local recruitment into terrorist outfits — where earlier 100 to 150 local youths joined annually, this year only one case has been reported. Even last year, the number had dropped to just six or seven. This reflects the growing public confidence in peace and governance,” LG Sinha said.
Reflecting on his tenure, LG Sinha expressed satisfaction over the peace, economic growth, and employment opportunities achieved in J&K over the past five years.
“When I arrived in 2020, travel from Jammu to Srinagar took 8-9 hours. Today, that journey takes just 4.5 hours thanks to massive infrastructure upgrades. Over ₹1.5 lakh crore is being spent on tunnel construction alone,” he noted.
“Private sector investment rose from ₹1,400 crore to nearly ₹30,000 crore, with projects worth ₹10,000–12,000 crore already operational. Power generation capacity increased by 3,100 MW, complementing the existing 3,450 MW. Tourism boom with over 2.38 crore tourists visiting in the last year,” he said, adding, “Digital governance with 1,146 public services available online and digitization of land records. PMGSY expansion, covering more villages as per the 2011 Census with an additional Rs 4,000 crore sanctioned.”
LG Sinha said that flagship institutions like IIT, IIM, AIIMS, NIFT, and seven new medical colleges were established.
LG Sinha highlighted improvement in security, with no lockdowns or strikes in recent years. Stone pelting has stopped, late-night life has returned, and local recruitment in terror outfits has plummeted—only one local youth joined a terrorist group this year compared to over 100 annually in previous years.
“This is a result of increased public confidence and strong coordination between the police, Army, and Central forces. Our message, under the leadership of the Home Minister, is clear: we will not buy peace—we will establish it,” he said.
LG Sinha also pointed to Pakistan’s continued attempts to push terrorists across the border, but assured that security forces remain vigilant and prepared.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said, “Every act of terror is now treated as an act of war. We’ve shown our strength to the world and sent a clear message to our hostile neighbor.”
During a visit to Baramulla, LG Sinha said that he interacted with families affected by terrorism over the last three decades. Many had not received financial aid or employment due to procedural delays.
“Yesterday, 40 terror-affected individuals received government jobs. We are now processing pending financial assistance cases, helping people file FIRs, and supporting self-employment through entrepreneurship,” he said, adding that the administration is taking a whole-of-government and humanitarian approach.
Commenting on the division of power between the Chief Minister and the LG, Sinha clarified that roles are well-defined under the J&K Reorganization Act. “My relationship with the Chief Minister is cordial. I work within my constitutional limits and meet regularly to resolve any issues,” he said,” I am fully mindful of my constitutional boundaries and always operate within them. I also maintain regular meetings with the Chief Minister to ensure smooth coordination.”
On former CM Mehbooba Mufti’s allegation that government employees from a particular community are being unfairly targeted, Sinha responded firmly:
“Article 311 is a constitutional safeguard for the state. Any action taken under it is based on thorough investigation and credible evidence. No innocent person is harmed; however, those posing a threat to national security will face strict legal action.”
LG Sinha described the emergence of a new Kashmir, where peace, economic progress, and inclusivity are shaping public life. From the successful Muharram procession after 35 years to the return of cinema halls and the revival of traditional festivals across communities, he said, “The aspirations that once seemed distant are now visible in every corner of J&K. This is Naya Kashmir—vibrant, peaceful, and full of opportunity.” (KNO)
