Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized on Saturday that while government and security forces actively combat terrorism, it remains crucial for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to take responsibility in the fight against this menace. Speaking at an event, Sinha called for collective vigilance to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Union territory.
Sinha highlighted the significant reduction in terrorism across the nation, noting its confinement to limited areas. He stated, “Terrorism has been reduced in other parts of the country. North-East is largely terror-free now.” He expressed optimism about completely eradicating left-wing extremism, or Naxalism, in the coming months.
The Lieutenant Governor identified regions within Karnataka, Kerala, and Jammu and Kashmir as persistent hotspots for terrorism. He described the situation as alarming and underscored the urgency of wiping out terrorism, stating, “It is the biggest hurdle to development and creating employment opportunities.”
Sinha reassured that security forces and local administration are tirelessly working to restore order. However, he stressed that the citizens must also play their part in this mission. “People of Jammu and Kashmir should not indulge in anything that could lead to a rise in such activities, either intentionally or unintentionally,” he said, underlining that community actions significantly impact the region’s security.
Addressing progress in Jammu and Kashmir, he cited that incidents of street violence and stone pelting have significantly decreased, suggesting a shift towards normalcy. He observed, “Schools, colleges and business are functioning like in other parts of the country.” Furthermore, he noted a marked decline in local recruitment for terrorism, citing only a single case this year.
Sinha acknowledged the ongoing threat of external support for terror activities, particularly referencing Pakistan’s historical role in fueling discord. He stated, “Unfortunately we have a neighbour who is always up to some mischief.” He elaborated on Pakistan’s attempts to undermine India’s stability, pointing out that since the partition, Pakistan has engaged in proxy wars rather than direct confrontations.
The human cost of terrorism cannot be ignored. Sinha lamented the loss of over 40,000 lives due to violence in the region. “How long will this continue? While it is the duty of the government and the forces to stop this, it is the responsibility of the people as well,” he urged, calling for community engagement in counter-terrorism efforts.
Furthermore, Sinha admonished those who, without directly naming, echo sentiments resembling those of the terror outfit ‘The Resistance Front (TRF).’ He argued, “When narratives are created like this, it causes huge damages.” The echoing of harmful rhetoric serves only to hinder peace efforts and is detrimental to community safety.
In conclusion, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s call to the people of Jammu and Kashmir highlights the need for a collective approach to combating terrorism. By fostering a shared responsibility, citizens can play a pivotal role in shaping a secure and prosperous future for the region.