• 37 Next of Kins of terror victims receive govt jobs, 32 others appointed under SRO-43 and RAS
• Says “justice to terror victims a national obligation, Govt committed to dismantle terror ecosystem”
• Post-2019 transformation, investment, equal rights, development dawn of a new era in J&K
Srinagar: In a significant move aimed at providing long-awaited relief to families affected by terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday handed over government appointment letters to 37 Next of Kins (NoKs) of civilians killed by terrorists, describing the initiative as a step towards restoring dignity, justice and livelihood to families that had endured decades of suffering.
The appointments were made during a function in Srinagar, where the Lieutenant Governor said the event was not merely about providing employment but symbolised the nation’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices of innocent civilians and ensuring that their families are not forgotten.
“My heartfelt tribute to the innocent civilians martyred by terrorists and I salute the families who, after decades of anguish and wait, now hold appointment letters that restore dignity and livelihood,” LG Sinha said.
He said terrorism had devastated countless families, leaving behind emotional and economic hardship that could never be fully compensated.
“No statistic can capture the anguish of these families. Today’s appointment letters are not merely employment documents but symbols of social justice, recognition and the nation’s solemn promise that the sacrifices of innocent civilians will never be forgotten,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the administration had accelerated efforts to address pending cases of terror victim families after the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019.
He asserted that the post-2019 period had witnessed decisive action against terrorism, strengthening of law and order, expansion of equal rights and creation of opportunities that enabled affected families to rebuild their lives.
LG Sinha said the constitutional changes removed discriminatory provisions, ensured equal rights for all citizens and integrated Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of the country.
He said marginalised sections, including tribal communities, displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Chhamb, refugees and other deprived groups, had received constitutional rights, including citizenship, voting rights and property ownership.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have chosen peace over violence, education over indoctrination, jobs over dependency and dignity over despair,” he said, adding that the younger generation deserved a future free from fear and extremism.
The Lieutenant Governor said justice for terror victims had become a national obligation and assured that no eligible family would be ignored.
“Justice delayed has caused enough suffering. Now justice to terror victim families is timely, humane, responsive and consistent,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism, Sinha said the administration was committed to dismantling the terror ecosystem, bringing perpetrators and their supporters to justice and ensuring lasting peace across the Union Territory.
“This day sends a clear message to the enemies of peace that terrorism cannot defeat a determined nation. Terror handlers from across the border may conspire in darkness, but the light and long arms of justice will find them,” he said.
Recalling the killing of civilian Wali Mohammad Wani of Shopian by terrorists on July 16, 1993, Sinha said that after 33 years, “a lamp of hope and prosperity” had finally been lit in his family’s home through the appointment provided to his next of kin.
He maintained that such measures could never replace the loss of a loved one but reflected the nation’s commitment to standing with the families and helping them rebuild their lives.
Highlighting the government’s development agenda, Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed unprecedented industrial growth in recent years. He said investments worth ₹5,824 crore were recorded during the financial year 2025-26, nearly 13 times higher than the average annual investment before 2021.
He also referred to the expansion of Srinagar and Jammu airports, improved road connectivity, the rail link connecting Kashmir with Kanyakumari, and the Centre’s commitment to doubling hydroelectric power generation in the Union Territory by 2028.
Issuing a stern warning against “conflict profiteers” and those attempting to undermine peace, the Lieutenant Governor said such elements would face strict legal action.
“The days of those trying to influence or disrupt the system with vested interests are over. Anyone attempting to disturb peace or obstruct progress will face severe consequences,” he said.
Besides the 37 appointments made to the families of terror victims, the Lieutenant Governor also handed over appointment letters to 32 beneficiaries under the Compassionate Appointment Rules (SRO-43) and the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS).
The programme was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Commissioner Secretary GAD M. Raju, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Chairman of Save Youth Save Future Foundation Wajahat Farooq Bhat, senior civil and police officers, representatives of social organisations and family members of terrorism victims.
