Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, recently stressed a crucial point: while our government and security forces are tirelessly working to combat terrorism, its complete eradication also falls on the shoulders of every citizen in the Union Territory. This collective responsibility is key to achieving lasting peace.
Speaking passionately at an event in Srinagar, LG Sinha highlighted the significant decline of terrorism nationwide. He noted that once widespread, extremist activities are now largely confined to a handful of regions. “The Northeast is virtually free of terror, and left-wing extremism, or Naxalism, is restricted to just a few districts. I’m confident we will completely eliminate it across the country within months,” he affirmed, painting a hopeful picture of a more secure nation.
However, Mr. Sinha acknowledged that certain pockets, including parts of Karnataka, Kerala, and particularly Jammu and Kashmir, have long battled the scourge of terrorism. He asserted that its complete eradication is non-negotiable, calling it “the biggest impediment to development and job creation.” While praising the dedicated efforts of security forces and the administration, he appealed to the residents of J&K: “The people of Jammu and Kashmir also bear a responsibility. They must avoid any actions, whether intentional or unintentional, that could fuel these activities, as such acts invariably lead to significant problems.”
LG Sinha proudly stated that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed remarkable improvements. The days of street violence and stone-pelting are largely behind us, he observed. “Schools, colleges, and businesses are operating normally, just like anywhere else in the country,” he highlighted. He further reassured the public by revealing that “no top commander of any major terror outfit remains active, and this year, we’ve seen only a single local recruitment into terror groups.”
Turning to external challenges, Mr. Sinha referenced Pakistan’s ongoing support for terror activities. Despite significant successes in various areas, he lamented, “Unfortunately, we are bordered by a neighbor always eager to cause mischief.” He recalled that instead of focusing on post-partition nation-building, Pakistan immediately launched attacks on India, specifically targeting J&K. “After losing four direct wars, they’ve realized a direct military victory against India is impossible. Now, their strategy involves proxy warfare, primarily through radicalizing individuals,” he explained.
He poignantly reminded everyone of the devastating human toll, noting that over 40,000 lives have been tragically lost to terrorism. “How much longer can this continue?” he questioned, emphasizing, “While it is undeniably the duty of the government and our forces to halt this violence, it is equally the responsibility of the people. Therefore, citizens must step forward to put an end to this menace.”
In a veiled critique, Mr. Sinha cautioned against certain individuals whose statements echo the rhetoric of terror outfits like ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’. “When such narratives take root, they inflict immense damage,” he warned. “If our public statements mirror those found on TRF’s social media, it signals a truly dangerous situation.”