Says J&K Sees Historic Transformation in Security, Dev, and Governance
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has launched a comprehensive rehabilitation program for families affected by three decades of terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated in an interview with The Week, revealing that 40 victim families have already been given employment, with many more set to benefit from the initiative.
“For years, these families suffered in silence, some without FIRs, others denied compensation. Today, we’re restoring both justice and dignity,” Sinha declared, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to healing the wounds of conflict through concrete action.
Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a “historic turnaround” in security, development, and governance over the past six years, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated. Attributing the progress to the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, he said the Union Territory is now scripting a “new chapter of peace and prosperity.”
Sinha highlighted a dramatic shift in the security situation, crediting the government’s firm stance against terrorism. “Under Home Minister Amit Shah’s leadership, our policy has been clear, we won’t buy peace, we will establish it,” he said. This approach has led to the dismantling of terror networks, with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, and CRPF ensuring that Pakistan-sponsored strikes and shutdowns no longer disrupt daily life.
Stone-pelting incidents, once frequent, have ceased, and local recruitment into militant groups has dropped sharply from 100-150 youths annually to just one this year. “Top terrorist commanders have been eliminated, and though Pakistan continues to infiltrate foreign terrorists, our forces remain on high alert,” Sinha added.
On Operation Sindoor, he reiterated PM Modi’s stance that “terror and tourism, or terror and trade, cannot coexist.” The operation, a strong response to Pakistan’s attempts to target Indian military installations, demonstrated India’s military prowess and sent a clear message to its neighbor. “We crushed terror hubs and forced Pakistan to its knees,” Sinha asserted, also noting India’s increasing use of indigenous defense technology.
The administration has prioritized aiding families affected by terrorism. During a visit to Baramulla, Sinha met victims who had suffered for decades without proper support. “Many had not received financial aid, some lacked documents for jobs, and others saw no FIRs filed for their tragedies,” he recalled.
The government has since provided jobs to 40 victims in Baramulla alone, extended financial aid, and offered legal help to those unable to file FIRs. Self-employment initiatives are also being promoted. “This is a humanitarian mission—we are restoring dignity and hope,” Sinha said.
LG said, PM Modi’s vision has spurred unprecedented economic growth, with J&K’s economy nearly doubling in six years. Infrastructure development has been a key driver, travel time between Jammu and Srinagar has halved to 4.5 hours, and ₹1.5 lakh crore worth of highway and tunnel projects are underway. Under PMGSY, villages with over 250 people (2001 census) have been connected, with an additional ₹4,000 crore allocated to cover those in the 2011 census.
“Education and healthcare have also seen massive upgrades, with new institutions like IIT, IIM, NIFT, two AIIMS, and seven medical colleges established. Power generation has surged by 3,100 MW in five years. Tourism has been a major success, with 2.38 crore visitors last year, a record. Private investments have doubled from ₹14,000 crore to nearly ₹30,000 crore, with projects worth ₹10,000-12,000 crore already operational,” LG Sinha said.
When asked about statehood, Sinha pointed to the visible changes, peaceful streets, open schools and cinemas, and the return of Muharram processions after decades. “The new Kashmir is defined by progress, not turmoil. People here want development, not disruption,” he emphasized.
