Srinagar, 31 October (H.S.): The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today extended greetings and best wishes to the people of Jammu Kashmir on the occasion of 8th J&K UT Foundation Day and paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor congratulated the citizens of Jammu Kashmir and acknowledged the contribution of farmers, teachers, scholars, writers, artists, artisans, traders, workers, security personnel, youth and women in building a prosperous and self-reliant Jammu Kashmir.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that the occasion carried special significance as it coincided with the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, whose vision of national unity continues to inspire the country. He said that the developments of 2019 marked an important chapter in the journey towards integration, equality and development.

“Today is not merely a date; it is a milestone that changed the direction of history and strengthened the spirit of national integration, equality and inclusive development,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that the changes witnessed in Jammu Kashmir since 2019 have expanded opportunities for citizens and strengthened the foundations of democracy. He highlighted that the implementation of grassroots democratic institutions and the conduct of Assembly elections have enhanced public participation and accountability.

“Article 370 abrogation gave ordinary citizens freedom from fear and access to rights denied for decades. Jammu Kashmir has emerged as a model of peace, development and good governance,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Referring to the aspirations of the people, the Lieutenant Governor said that the future of Jammu Kashmir must be shaped by peace, equal opportunities and development.

“The future of Jammu and Kashmir lies not in the shadow of terror, but in the light of peace; not behind the walls of discrimination, but in equal opportunities; and not in stagnation, but in the momentum of progress,” he stated.

The Lieutenant Governor said that terror, separatism and stone-pelting have given way to democracy, development and public participation after Article 370 was removed.

“We did not buy peace, we established peace. Zero-tolerance policy crippled terror networks and restored normal life across Jammu Kashmir. Since 2020, more than 780 terrorists eliminated, local recruitment ended, stone-pelting erased. Now Jammu Kashmir is witnessing a historic security transformation.

Strong action against Narco-Terrorism continues. We have arrested thousands of drug smugglers and drug peddlers this year. Their illicit assets have been attached and drug-funded mansions were demolished. Conflict Entrepreneurs who profited from separatism and terrorism stand exposed. People of Jammu Kashmir have embraced peace, progress and national integration,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that unity is sustained through justice and public trust. He called upon all institutions and citizens to work together for good governance, compassion and inclusive development.

“Public trust must be won not merely by promises, but by deeds. Justice and accountability are the strongest foundations of unity,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of extending the benefits of development to all sections of society, the Lieutenant Governor observed that the true measure of transformation lies in the lives of those who were deprived of opportunities for decades. He underlined the need to ensure that growth remains inclusive and reaches every household, village and community.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke about the changing aspirations of the younger generation in Jammu Kashmir. He noted that children and youth are growing up in an environment focused on education, opportunity and progress, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar