SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the 8th J&K Union Territory Foundation Day, paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and calling for sustained efforts towards peace, national unity and inclusive development.
Addressing a gathering in Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the contributions of farmers, teachers, scholars, writers, artists, artisans, traders, workers, security personnel, women and youth in building a prosperous and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha said the developments of 2019 marked a significant chapter in the region’s journey towards national integration, equality and development. He highlighted the expansion of grassroots democratic institutions and the conduct of Assembly elections as important steps in strengthening public participation and accountability.
Referring to the security situation, the Lieutenant Governor asserted that Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed a significant transformation since the abrogation of Article 370. He said the administration’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism had weakened terror networks and helped restore normal life.
“Since 2020, more than 780 terrorists eliminated, local recruitment ended, stone-pelting erased,” Sinha said, while highlighting the administration’s efforts against terrorism and narco-terrorism. He also said action against drug trafficking included arrests and the attachment of assets linked to illicit activities.
Emphasising the importance of public trust, the Lieutenant Governor said unity could be sustained through justice, accountability and good governance. He called upon institutions and citizens to work collectively to ensure that the benefits of development reached every household, village and community.
Sinha identified employment generation, youth empowerment, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment and transparent governance as key priorities for the coming years. He stressed the need to equip young people with skills relevant to the changing global economy and encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and sports.
He also called for modernisation of agriculture through technology, climate-resilient practices and value addition, while emphasising the importance of accessible healthcare and quality education.
Highlighting the need for social harmony, the Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to respect diversity and strengthen mutual trust. He said the safe and dignified return of displaced communities required collective commitment and cooperation.
Outlining his long-term vision, Sinha said he wanted Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as a model of prosperity by 2047, supported by a modern economy, world-class healthcare, excellent education and a vibrant cultural heritage.
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Unity Pledge and flagged off the Run for Unity to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. A documentary produced by the Information Department on Jammu and Kashmir’s transformational journey was also screened.
Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Govind Jaiswal, IGP Kashmir Sujit Singh and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg attended the event, along with senior officials, security personnel, civil society members, educational institution heads and youth.
