Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed an event in Jammu on Saturday, emphasizing that while the government and security forces play their roles, the responsibility of eradicating terrorism lies equally with the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
During his speech, Sinha highlighted the significant reduction of terrorism across India, noting that it now mainly affects only a few regions. He pointed out that the North-East has largely become terror-free, while left-wing extremism, or Naxalism, is confined to just a few districts. “I am confident it will soon be completely eliminated from our country,” he asserted.
Sinha identified Karnataka, Kerala, and particularly Jammu and Kashmir as regions still grappling with terrorism for an extended period. He stated, “Terrorism is a significant obstacle to development and employment opportunities. Security forces and the administration are diligently doing their jobs, but people must also exercise caution. They should refrain from any actions, intentional or otherwise, that could aggravate the situation,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor noted the positive changes in the region’s situation, claiming that street violence and stone pelting have diminished considerably. He stated, “Schools, colleges, and businesses here are now functioning similarly to those in other parts of India. Furthermore, no prominent leaders from major terror organizations remain alive today, with just one local recruitment into terror ranks recorded this year.”
Sinha acknowledged Pakistan’s historical role in supporting terrorist activities, saying, “While we have made notable successes against terrorism, we cannot ignore the neighbor who seems intent on creating disturbances. Rather than investing in nation-building after partition, Pakistan chose to attack India, including Jammu and Kashmir, immediately post-independence. They have fought four wars and lost, leading them to adopt proxy wars by radicalizing individuals instead.”
Addressing the human cost, Sinha emphasized the serious implications of terrorism, stating, “Over 40,000 lives have been lost due to this violence. How long shall this persistent threat continue? While it is our government’s and security forces’ duty to combat this menace, the citizens also share a vital responsibility. It is crucial for everyone to actively work towards halting this violence.”
In a veiled reference to certain unsettling narratives circulating in society, Sinha cautioned, “Some individuals resonate sentiments akin to those of the terror outfit ‘The Resistance Front (TRF)’. When destructive narratives proliferate like this, they cause immense harm. If our statements begin mirroring the rhetoric of TRF’s social media, it signifies an alarming trend.”
