JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday reiterated that the dignified and secure return of Kashmiri Pandits remains a firm commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at the release of the book “Kashmir–Nativity Regained” authored by Prof. Ashok Kaul, the Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a profound transformation since 2019. He asserted that the “sinister designs” aimed at derailing the Union Territory’s progress have been decisively countered and that development initiatives have accelerated across sectors.
“Very soon, this soil will be completely freed from the scourge of terrorism,” he said, adding that sustained efforts are underway to restore lasting peace and stability.
The book explores the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits during the 1989–90 period, recounting the trauma of displacement and the deep scars left by separation from ancestral homes. The Lieutenant Governor described the work as more than a literary contribution, calling it a meaningful effort to confront a painful chapter that had long remained under-discussed.
Paying tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri Pandit community, he said displaced families preserved their cultural, spiritual and linguistic heritage despite immense hardship. “In adversity, they safeguarded their identity and continued to excel across fields,” he remarked.
Highlighting government measures, he referred to the launch of the Kashmiri Migrant portal in 2021 to facilitate the recovery of encroached properties belonging to members of the displaced community. He emphasized that the administration remains committed to ensuring justice, rehabilitation and employment support for affected families.
Recalling the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Lieutenant Governor said the move strengthened faith among displaced communities that they could reconnect with their roots without fear.
He also noted that terrorism in the region had claimed the lives of innocent people across communities, including many Kashmiri Muslims, and stressed that justice efforts have been intensified in recent years.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu; publisher Rajiv Jha of Readers Press; Prof. Neelu Rohmetra; Registrar Dr. Neeraj Sharma; and several literary personalities, officials and students attended the event. Senior administrative and police officials were also present on the occasion.
