‘Statehood at appropriate time; relationship with CM is cordial’
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has completed five eventful years in office, navigating the Union Territory through some of its most crucial phases—from the abrogation of Article 370 to the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
In an interview marking his fifth anniversary, LG Sinha reflected on Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation under his leadership, citing peace, prosperity, and full integration with the Indian Union as his proudest achievements.
Speaking on the challenges and accomplishments during his tenure, Sinha stated, “Since August 2020, I have seen an unprecedented transformation across every sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Whether it’s transparency, accountability, infrastructure, or investment—growth has been unmatched.”
He highlighted key milestones: a doubling of the region’s economy, turnaround of J&K Bank from a ₹1300 crore loss to ₹1700 crore profit, and massive infrastructure expansion including highways and tunnels reducing the Jammu-Srinagar travel time from 8.5 to 4.5 hours. Over ₹1.5 lakh crore worth of highway and tunnel projects are currently underway.
Sinha also noted rural connectivity achievements under PMGSY, massive boosts in healthcare and education with two AIIMS, IITs, IIMs, NIFTs, and seven new medical colleges, and a dramatic rise in power generation and transmission capacity.
The tourism boom, with over 2.38 crore visitors last year, has significantly uplifted the local economy and job creation. The private investment sector has seen a revival, with realized investments crossing ₹10,000 crore, thanks to the new industrial policy.
On agriculture, Sinha spoke of the successful implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan, aiming to double the sector’s contribution to the UT’s GDP. The plan, made in collaboration with India’s top agriculture experts, introduced 29 new projects to modernize and expand the sector.
Addressing the security situation, LG Sinha said the biggest shift has been in public confidence.
“Where once over 100 locals joined militancy every year, this year there has been only one new recruit. Stone-pelting has stopped. Bandhs called on Pakistan’s diktats are history. Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, and paramilitary forces have created a secure atmosphere,” he asserted.
He acknowledged Pakistan’s continued attempts to destabilize the region through cross-border terrorism, but added that security forces have responded with strength and proactiveness, including eliminating top terror commanders.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Sinha said, “We’ve shown the world that India will treat every act of terror as an act of war.”
He added, “The Prime Minister has clearly stated that terror and tourism, or terror and trade, cannot go hand in hand. Pakistan has been given a clear message that everything is within our reach if provoked.”
On the demand for restoration of statehood, Sinha reiterated Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s commitment in Parliament.
“He had laid out a roadmap: delimitation first, then elections, and finally statehood at an appropriate time. Delimitation is done. Elections have taken place peacefully. I believe the assurance of statehood will be fulfilled in due time.”
Sinha defended the government’s use of Article 311 to remove government employees with terror links, saying no innocent person has been targeted.
“There are dossiers and verified records. Some individuals were even convicted. It is not about religion or community—it is about national security,” he explained.
He further shared that 1,140 government services are now available online, revenue records have been digitized, and e-governance has brought in transparency and accountability.
LG Sinha also emphasized the government’s compassionate approach towards terror victims.
“Thousands of complaints from families who suffered due to terror since the 1990s have been received. Financial aid, jobs, and FIRs are being facilitated. We are helping them with dignity,” he said.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally emphasized that terrorism will not be tolerated and the recent retaliation during Operation Sindoor was a signal to the world and to Pakistan that any act of terror will be met with decisive response.
Speaking about the concept of “Naya Kashmir,” LG Sinha said, “Today, Kashmir has academic calendars instead of bandh calendars. Muharram processions are being held peacefully after decades. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians celebrate festivals together. Cinema halls are running. This is the new Kashmir.”
When asked about the balance of power between the LG and the elected government, Sinha said he knows his limits as defined by the J&K Reorganization Act. “We will resolve any confusion through official communication, and I believe cooperation will continue smoothly.”
On the ongoing national census and future delimitation, Sinha said discussions will happen once the process is underway.
He stated, “I am satisfied that in these five years, I have worked with integrity, wisdom, and commitment to make Jammu and Kashmir peaceful, progressive, and prosperous. The Indian State’s authority is fully established here, and J&K is completely integrated with the rest of the country.”
