“Successful Implementation Of Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Militancy, A Significant Achievement”
“Have Full Confidence In Govt’s ability to eliminate militants, dismantle militant ecosystem”
“Reduction In Presence Of Security Forces Visible In Public Spaces Like Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Polo View, Jhelum Riverfront”
“Neighboring Country’s Desperation Is Its Inability To Accept Positive Developments Like Hosting Of Global Events Like G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting”
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that there has been significant changes and progress in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of its special status and reorganization into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.
As the region commetentates five-year anniversary of this pivotal change, Sinha said ongoing efforts to ensure peace, development, and governance in the area. In an interview with national daily, The Indian Express, LG Sinha began by emphasizing the remarkable improvement in the overall stability and routine functioning of the region. He highlighted schools, colleges, hospitals, and businesses now operate uninterrupted throughout the year, signaling a return to normalcy and a stark contrast to the earlier tumultuous years. As major period of the academics was used for hartals and strike calls by separatists’ leaders. “This stability has been a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to foster a peaceful and conducive environment for growth and development,” LG Sinha said. “LG reassured the public about the upcoming Assembly elections, affirming that they will be held at the earliest opportunity. This assurance aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statements, indicating the government’s commitment to restoring a democratic framework in the region,” he said.
The elections are seen as a crucial step in allowing the people of Jammu and Kashmir to elect their representatives and actively participate in governance. Addressing potential concerns about the balance of power between the Lieutenant Governor Sinha and an elected government, Sinha expressed his intention to collaborate closely with the elected representatives. He stressed the shared objective of ensuring peace and development, which he believes are universal aspirations. Sinha dismissed any potential conflicts, asserting that a harmonious working relationship can be achieved by focusing on these common goals. He emphasized that the well-being of the people and the region’s prosperity should always take precedence, thereby reducing the likelihood of any clashes. A significant achievement highlighted by Sinha was the successful implementation of a zero-tolerance policy towards militancy. This approach has been instrumental in creating a peaceful environment, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. “Sinha noted a visible reduction in the presence of security forces in public spaces, such as Srinagar’s iconic Lal Chowk, Polo View, and the Jhelum riverfront. This reduction is a testament to the improved security situation and the decreasing threat level, allowing residents and tourists alike to enjoy these areas freely,” he said. LG Sinha also addressed the recent militancy related activities in Jammu, describing them as acts of desperation by Pakistan. He noted that these incidents are indicative of the neighboring country’s inability to accept the positive developments in Jammu and Kashmir, including India’s successful hosting of global events like the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar. “These events, along with the peaceful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections, have projected an image of normalcy and stability to the international community, which Pakistan finds hard to digest,” he said. LG Sinha highlighted a significant decline in local militant recruitment in the Kashmir division. He attributed this decline to the effective counter-militancy measures taken by the security forces, including the elimination of top militant commanders. “This has not only reduced the operational capabilities of militant groups but also diminished their influence and appeal among the local population. Sinha described this as one of the government’s biggest achievements, contributing to the overall decrease in violence and the restoration of peace in the region.” To address the increased militancy related activities in Jammu, Sinha revealed that a comprehensive strategy has been devised at the highest levels of government. This strategy includes the deployment of additional paramilitary, police, and Army personnel to critical areas. “The objective is to tackle the situation proactively and prevent any further escalation. Sinha expressed confidence in the government’s ability to eliminate the militants and dismantle the militant ecosystem, just as it has successfully done in the Kashmir Valley,” he said.
