Jammu: Asserting that the entire global society must unite against this terrorist country Pakistan, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, said terrorism is in the DNA of Pakistan and they continue to spread it.
Addressing a seminar on “J&K’s March Towards Peace” in New Delhi, organized by Gandhi Smriti as part of its lecture series, the Lieutenant Governor delivered a powerful keynote speech emphasizing the need for collective action against terrorism and highlighting the sweeping transformation underway in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The aim of the Pahalgam terror attack was to stall the economic progress of the Union Territory, but we are marching ahead with renewed strength,” Sinha said. He confirmed that those behind the attack have been identified and assured that the National Investigation Agency is probing the matter. “The perpetrators will meet the same fate as other top terror commanders. We will not spare anyone who speaks the language of terror outfits. Strict action will be taken against such elements,” he added.
Sinha stated that the Indian state authority has been fully established in Jammu and Kashmir. “Today, the common citizens of Kashmir understand that their future lies with India. Our youth are playing an instrumental role in building a more prosperous future for the UT. Local terrorist recruitment is at an all-time low. Decisive action against terrorism and its facilitators has ensured peace prevails.”
He said India’s policy is guided by peace, inspired by the ancient Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. “We believe in establishing peace, not buying peace. India has always followed the path of peace,” he noted.
During the seminar, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated the newly developed Gandhi Smriti Art Gallery, with former Union Minister and Vice-Chairman of Gandhi Smriti, Vijay Goel, also present at the event.
Sinha spoke about the deep emotional and historical bond between Mahatma Gandhi and Jammu and Kashmir. “Gandhiji saw a ray of hope in Jammu and Kashmir. He wanted to see peace and progress here. Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fulfilling that dream by building a fear-free, terror-free Jammu and Kashmir that is emerging as a symbol of peace and development,” he said.
He highlighted the various national events being celebrated across J&K including Gandhi Jayanti, Teachers Day, Har Ghar Tiranga, and Independence Day, which he said reflect the return of J&K to its peaceful roots. “A month-long peace march is organized every year in Kashmir to commemorate Bapu’s birth anniversary. Youth now understand that the Jammu and Kashmir of Bapu’s dreams is one of unity and harmony.”
Sinha further emphasized that the winds of change in Jammu and Kashmir have unsettled Pakistan, which continues to make efforts to harm India’s spiritual and cultural fabric. However, he said, those efforts will not succeed.
He also touched upon the transformative journey of J&K since the abrogation of Article 370, calling it a defining moment in the region’s history. “In the last five years, Jammu and Kashmir has achieved remarkable milestones. Our economy has doubled, and we’ve set new benchmarks for inclusive development,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and establishing lasting peace in the region.
