Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday dismissed the ongoing speculation over Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood restoration, reiterating the Union Home Minister’s stance.
Speaking at an event at SKICC, Srinagar, Sinha said, as per news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), “The Home Minister has already made it clear — first delimitation, then assembly elections, and statehood at an appropriate time.”
“Some people are attempting to mislead the public on this matter. I want to clarify that the Union Territory administration already possesses adequate powers, and these should be used for public welfare rather than creating confusion,” he said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that October 31 marks the birth of a new Jammu and Kashmir — an era that ended fear, separatism, and discrimination while ushering in peace, development, and democratic participation.
He noted that six years ago, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, history was made when, for the first time, the laws framed by the Indian Parliament became applicable in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reflecting on the region’s past, Sinha said that over seven decades, many people made sacrifices to bring about this transformation. “The foundation of this journey was laid by Sardar Patel,” he said, adding that people are well aware of those who once conspired to divide the region.
He pointed out that earlier, even the President of India had no authority over J&K. “A few individuals ruled while thousands remained deprived. Some had built artificial walls that denied our sisters their rightful opportunities,” he said.
Sinha added that with the abrogation of Article 370 and subsequent reforms, October 31 became symbolic of the fall of separatism. “J&K Police and security forces have broken the backbone of terrorism. The era of fear is over. People now participate freely in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, strengthening democracy in the Union Territory,” he stated.
The LG emphasized that the new generation has rejected violence. “Stone pelting is now history. People are coming out voluntarily in support of peace and progress,” he remarked.
He concluded by saying that terrorism survives only on ideology and public support. “Once society withdraws that support, terrorism dies — and that process has already begun,” he added. (Agencies)
