K H Snippets: Defining Moments Of The Week

Srinagar: This week, Jammu and Kashmir remained at the centre of key political, administrative and developmental developments, with major announcements and decisions shaping the region’s governance and public life.  From LG Manoj Sinha highlighting the post-2019 changes and handing over appointment letters to families of terror victims, to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pushing for faster restoration of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and a renewed focus on golf and sports tourism, the week saw a mix of governance, security, infrastructure and development. Here are the key developments from Jammu and Kashmir.

1. Article 370 Abrogation Marked ‘Constitutional Correction’, Says LG Sinha:  Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, marked a “constitutional correction” and a new beginning for Jammu and Kashmir. He said the move removed discriminatory barriers and extended equal rights to marginalised groups, tribals, displaced persons from PoK and Chhamb, and refugees, including citizenship, voting and property rights. LG Sinha said the terror ecosystem operating under the earlier system had been dismantled to a large extent, while people were now choosing “peace over violence, education over indoctrination and jobs over dependency.” He said J&K received ₹5,824 crore in investment during 2025-26, 13 times the average annual investment before 2021.
2. LG Hands Jobs To 37 Kin of Terror Victims: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday handed over appointment letters to 37 Next of Kin (NoKs) of civilians killed by terrorists, describing the initiative as a symbol of social justice, recognition and dignity for victim families. Sinha said many families had waited for decades for their cases to be addressed and stressed that no job or compensation could replace a lost loved one, but the appointments reaffirmed that the nation stood with them.
3. CM Omar Directs Agencies To Expedite NH-44 Restoration: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed agencies to expedite restoration works on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and ensure smooth, safe and uninterrupted traffic movement. Travelling by road from Jammu to Srinagar, Omar personally reviewed restoration works following recent rainfall-triggered landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at several locations. He stressed the need to prioritise movement of trucks carrying fruit and agricultural produce, warning that prolonged disruption could severely affect growers, traders and the wider economy.
4. J&K Plans Golf Academy, Annual PGTI Tournament, Says CM Omar: Chief Minister Omar said Jammu and Kashmir aims to reclaim its position as one of India’s premier golf destinations, announcing plans to make the J&K Open an annual event and establish a golf academy. Speaking after inaugurating J&K Open 2026 in Srinagar, Omar said the tournament, featuring more than 100 professionals including over 10 overseas golfers, should become a permanent fixture on the national golf calendar.  He said the government would promote local talent through an academy and upgrade sports infrastructure. Omar also called for international-standard cricket stadiums in J&K, saying improved infrastructure could help the Union Territory host IPL and international matches.
5. LG Sinha Says “Peace Must Be Anchored In Opportunity”: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir must be anchored in education, employment and equal access to government services. Speaking at an event where appointment letters were distributed to kin of civilians killed by terrorists, LG Sinha said a society that trusts its institutions becomes resilient against fear, while empowered youth can resist separatism and terrorism. Referring to the case of Shopian resident Wali Mohammad Wani, who was killed by terrorists in 1993, Sinha said his family had received an appointment after 33 years. He said the government remained committed to ensuring that terror victims’ families are not abandoned and that every citizen gets an opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity.