SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday reaffirmed that the restoration of statehood is as guaranteed as sunrise, stating that no political campaigns or reassurances are needed to fulfil this promise.
Speaking at the Raabt-e-Awaaam event organized by the Save Youth Save Future Foundation in Baramulla, North Kashmir, LG Sinha responded to the National Conferenceโs frequent calls for statehood restoration.
โThe governmentโs commitment, stated in Parliament, holds as true as the certainty of sunrise,โ he emphasized, underlining that the pledge made by the Home Minister in Parliament is binding. LG Sinha reminded the audience of Home Minister Amit Shahโs parliamentary commitment: first, redistricting, followed by elections, and then statehood restoration.
LG Sinha further recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modiโs affirmation in June of this year, underscoring the pledge to restore J&Kโs statehood. Dismissing ongoing political discourse, he noted, โPoliticians have their role, but this matter is settled.โ
Addressing security, the LG warned that homes sheltering terrorists would be demolished, without exceptions. โThere will be no leniency for those endangering innocent lives,โ he asserted, emphasizing the link between peace and progress in the region. Sinha criticized cross-border interference as a persistent threat and cautioned that some within the region are acting on external influence.
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Sinha condemned recent attacks on workers constructing the Z-Morh tunnel as โunjustifiable,โ urging the community to denounce such acts. He reiterated that while innocents will be protected, criminal elements will face strict measures.
Without naming specific critics, Sinha dismissed claims of โatrocitiesโ in Kashmir, instead calling these measures a โnecessary path for justiceโ to eliminate terrorism. Reflecting on the toll of violence, he reminded attendees that 40,000 lives have been lost in J&K, leaving countless families devastated and assured that security forces adhere strictly to guidelines to avoid harm to innocents.
The LG turned to youth empowerment, pledging the administrationโs commitment to nurturing opportunities for young people in J&K, whom he described as โfearless innovatorsโ shaping a vibrant future. Under PM Modiโs leadership, he noted efforts continue to meet the aspirations of J&Kโs youth.
Calling for unity, LG Sinha encouraged young people to uphold the values of the nationโs founders, helping to foster J&Kโs progress. He expressed that the collective spirit of youth, driven by ambition and purpose, is a vital force in building a โViksit Bharatโ and a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
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Addressing societal challenges, LG Sinha highlighted drug addiction as a major barrier to youth potential, stressing that a โDrug-free J&Kโ is essential to empower young people to shape their futures.
In an interactive session, young panellists from various fields shared insights on J&Kโs current landscape and transformative journey. LG Sinha pledged that the administration would take appropriate steps to address their concerns and genuine needs.
