Srinagar, Aug 5: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday described August 5 as “an important constitutional milestone” in the Union Territory’s history, saying the changes ushered in after the abrogation of Article 370 had laid the foundation for peace, equality, development and accountable governance while significantly weakening terrorism and separatism.
Addressing a function marking seven years since the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, Sinha said the day was not only about reflecting on the past but also about shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I regard this day as an important constitutional milestone in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Today is not merely an occasion to remember the past; it is also an opportunity to determine the direction of the future,” he said. “This day inspires us to honestly evaluate the new journey that has begun, to humbly acknowledge the challenges before us, and to strengthen our commitment to the future with confidence.”
Calling August 5 a defining moment, Sinha asserted that it fundamentally altered Jammu and Kashmir’s trajectory. “It was after that day that the process of breaking the backbone of terrorism and separatism truly began,” he said. “It was the day when the wall that had been erected between ordinary people and the privileged was brought down.”
He said the changes marked “the beginning of efforts to ensure that every citizen enjoys equal rights” and a journey where “every individual could experience peace in their lives, receive justice, enjoy equal opportunities, and live with dignity.”
The Lieutenant Governor said the government’s focus over the past seven years had been on delivering welfare schemes without discrimination and making governance transparent and responsive.
“Social, economic, and political equality have connected the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the aspirations of the nation,” he said. “The central objective… has been to ensure that every government scheme… reaches every beneficiary.”
Highlighting governance reforms, Sinha said digital initiatives had improved accountability and service delivery.
“Through digital governance, we have succeeded in building an administrative system that is responsive. We have also succeeded in creating institutions that are accountable,” he said, adding that opportunities were now being created “not for a privileged few, but for every deserving citizen.”
He also pointed to economic growth, saying investment was beginning to translate into employment. “Private investment has come in, industries have been established, and over the next six to eight months to a year, these industries will begin operations. This will certainly create more employment opportunities for the youth of the region,” he said.
Sinha credited events such as the G20 meetings, marathons, the Legends League Cricket tournament and rising tourism with giving fresh momentum to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, while also highlighting improvements in digital connectivity, healthcare and public services.
He said people themselves were increasingly rejecting violence and narcotics. “Today, the people of Jammu and Kashmir themselves are coming out onto the streets against terrorism and drug abuse because they realize that, through peace, dialogue, and responsible leadership, they can play a meaningful role in building the nation and society.”
According to Sinha, the future of Jammu and Kashmir would now be shaped by educators, doctors, farmers, entrepreneurs, artists, women and youth rather than “those who spread the poison of terrorism and drugs.”
“The future of Jammu and Kashmir will no longer be decided by those who spread the poison of terrorism and drugs… Instead, the future… will be written by teachers… doctors… farmers… entrepreneurs… artists… women and young people who are ready to step forward and lead.”
He also paid tribute to security personnel, saying they would continue to play a vital role in safeguarding peace. “It will also be written by the personnel of the police, the Army, and the security forces, who are prepared to shed every drop of their blood to protect every citizen and ensure the progress of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Referring to families affected by terrorism, Sinha acknowledged delays in providing government jobs but blamed the lengthy verification process on attempts to exploit any irregularity. “I want to assure you that every genuine terror victim’s family will definitely receive a job. Please give us a little more time. We will ensure that every deserving terror victim family is provided employment.”
He said the process began after he met around 200–250 affected families through the Save Youth Save Future Foundation more than two years ago.
Sinha also asked the administration to expedite action in cases involving land recovered from illegal occupation and to complete pending investigations. “There are several cases where FIRs have been registered but investigations have not been completed. I believe these investigations should be concluded and brought to their logical end as quickly as possible.”
Concluding his address, the Lieutenant Governor said the coming decade presented “extraordinary possibilities” and urged people to renew their commitment to peace and development. “The remarkable patience and extraordinary courage shown by the people of Jammu and Kashmir over seven decades of challenges and discrimination deserve the highest appreciation,” he said, adding that the aspirations of the youth were now aligned with “the nation’s mainstream.”
Invoking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” Sinha called for building a future “where peace is permanently established, where equal opportunities are available to everyone, and where the younger generation can make a greater contribution to the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and the vision of a Viksit Bharat.”
