“We are modernizing the Amarnath Yatra route with better roads, power”
“Peace, prosperity, progress, people directed my tenure; History would judge what we have done in five years”
Srinagar, July 20: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the constitutional and administrative changes made in Jammu and Kashmir in the last five years have strengthened their complete union with the nation.
In an interview with national television, Sinha said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indian state has strongly established its authority in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that both the goals have been achieved to ensure the complete constitutional merger of Jammu and Kashmir with India, saying that the stability of Jammu and Kashmir and the return to the national mainstream is now a reality, not just a political objective.
Sinha said, “It is true that I came to Jammu and Kashmir on August 7, 2020. I will complete 5 years on August 7, 2025. The achievements of the last five years are many, but my guide theory remains peace, prosperity, progress and people.”
He said that Jammu and Kashmir have emerged from decades of violence and uncertainty. “There was a time when the streets of Kashmir were siege, stone pagal incidents were in the headlines. It is now history,” he said.
He said, “Today, cinema halls, schools, colleges and businesses are open. People are enjoying nightlife. After 32 years peaceful Muharram processions have created fresh confidence,” he said.
Talking about economic progress, Sinha said that prosperity has taken roots and the economy has improved significantly. “Our economic system has doubled in strength. We have made unprecedented progress in agriculture, tourism and entrepreneurship,” he said.
He said, “More than 8-9 lakh women are now part of self-help groups and are running a successful business. GI tagging, QR coding and exports in handicrafts and Pashmina have doubled,” he said.
Asked about his coordination with the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said that there is complete harmony. “We work in a coordinated manner. Whenever needed, we sit together and solve the issues. There is no truth in the claim that the Chief Minister is not invited to important meetings,” he said.
Referring to the emotional challenges faced by terrorism -affected families, Sinha said, “In the last 35 years, many families have lost their breadwiners for terrorism. So far, no one paid attention to them. In the last few months, we have taken important steps to support them.”
Sinha said that he met several victims in Anantnag, Baramulla and Raj Bhavan, and shifted deeply from their stories. He said, “A girl told me her father, a spo was killed by terrorists.
Sinha said, “After meeting with victims and foundations like Save Youth, Save Future, we took five major decisions.” “First, those characters should get a job; Second, due to financial assistance, those people who get a job will have to get a job, but still family members will be supported through PM’s collateral-free self-employment schemes; fourth, in cases where the FIR was not registered, will be re-examined; and fifth, the fifth, the seized assets will be returned by the terrorists.”
He said that a dedicated helpline has been started and a large number of complaints have already been received. He said, “Many people could not get dependent certificates due to the flawed ecosystem here, which previously used to glorify terrorism. It has changed,” he said.
Sinha said, “Today, 40 people have received appointment letters. This is just the beginning. We will reopen old cases and punish the guilty. The process will continue.”
Talking about Operation Sindoor and India’s response to Pakistan, Sinha said, “On April 22, 26 innocent citizens died in the Pahgam attack. Trained militants in Pakistan carried out the attack. The Prime Minister made it clear that India’s water will now flow for India, not for terrorism.”
Sinha called the decision to review the Indus Water Treaty as historic. He said, “Even after three wars -1965, 1971 and Kargil and Mumbai terrorist attacks, Pakistan benefited us through our water while bleeding through terrorism. It has now changed. The Prime Minister’s decision is a strong message,” he said.
Sinha said that Pakistan, which depends on the Indus water system for agriculture and drinking water, will face serious consequences. “Their food production and economy will be damaged. This would be a lesson for generations,” he said.
Sinha praised the Home Minister for taking bold steps against terrorism and changing the entire ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. “Earlier, people will chant slogans supporting Pakistan. Today, they come out in large numbers and raise their voice against terrorism. The change is clear,” he said.
On the tourism front, Sinha said that there has been a significant increase in the number of pilgrims coming to the Amarnath Yatra. He said, “Despite the incident in Pahalgam, more than 2 lakh pilgrims have already participated. All the hotels in Pahgam are full, and the tourism is also fruitful in Sonway and Srinagar,” he said.
He said that infrastructure development along the pilgrimage route is a top priority. He said, “We have widened the roads, ensured uninterrupted power supply to the holy cave, and have improved facilities like guest house. Locals have welcomed the pilgrims with open hearts,” he said.
Addressing the issue of employment, Sinha said, “It is true that not everyone can get a government job. But in the last five years, more than 40,000 government posts have been fully filled with transparency, without any recommendation. We have also topped the national level self-employment scheme rankings for three years.”
Speaking on the role of women in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said that women here are doing well in education, sports, entrepreneurship and traditional crafts. “Jammu and Kashmir are becoming a model of women -led development,” he said.
At the G20 summit, Sinha said, “It sent a strong message to the world. The people of J&K now have full faith in India and have no future with Pakistan.”
Asked about the claims of the opposition, that the ongoing development is a continuity of old plans, Sinha said that let people and history tell what happened in these five years vs. vs. and before and before people can see the difference. ,
He said, “When I came here, I had two priorities to ensure the full rights of the Indian state and the full integration of Jammu and Kashmir with India. I can proudly say that we have achieved both under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership,” he said.
