Historic security transformation in J&K since abrogation of Article 370: LG Sinha

”We did not buy peace, we established it.”

More than 780 terrorists killed since 2020; stone-pelting erased, local recruitment ended, says LG

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 31 (STC): Jammu and Kashmir had undergone a historic security transformation since the abrogation of Article 370 and peace had been established through a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism rather than through compromises.
This was stated by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in his address at the event marking the J&K Union Territory Foundation Day function in Srinagar. The LG said more than 780 terrorists had been eliminated since 2020, local recruitment into militant ranks had ended and stone-pelting had been eradicated.
“We did not buy peace, we established peace. Zero-tolerance policy crippled terror networks and restored normal life across Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He claimed that terrorism, separatism and stone-pelting had given way to democracy, development and public participation following the removal of Article 370 in August 2019.
“Article 370 abrogation gave ordinary citizens freedom from fear and access to rights denied for decades. Jammu Kashmir has emerged as a model of peace, development and good governance,” Sinha said.
Sinha said the changes introduced in 2019 had strengthened national integration, expanded opportunities for citizens and reinforced democratic institutions.
He said the establishment of grassroots democratic institutions and the conduct of Assembly elections had enhanced public participation and accountability.
Referring to the security situation, Sinha said the administration continued to pursue strong action against narco-terrorism, including arrests, attachment of illegally acquired properties and demolition of structures allegedly financed through drug trafficking.
“We have arrested thousands of drug smugglers and drug peddlers this year. Their illicit assets have been attached and drug-funded mansions were demolished,” he said.

The LG targeting “conflict entrepreneurs”, said, “Conflict entrepreneurs who profited from separatism and terrorism stand exposed. People of Jammu Kashmir have embraced peace, progress and national integration.”
He further stated that Jammu and Kashmir’s future depended on sustaining peace, ensuring equal opportunities and accelerating economic development.
Paying tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, the Lieutenant Governor said the occasion represented a milestone in the region’s journey towards integration, equality and inclusive development.
He said unity could be sustained only through justice, accountability and public trust, adding that institutions must demonstrate their commitment through action rather than promises.
Outlining priorities for the coming years, Sinha identified employment generation, youth empowerment, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment and transparent governance as key areas requiring sustained attention.
He stressed the need to equip young people with skills suited to the changing global economy and encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and participation in sports.
The Lieutenant Governor also called for modern agricultural practices, climate-resilient farming and value addition to improve rural livelihoods.
Referring to displaced communities, he said their safe and dignified return, along with the restoration of social trust, required collective commitment and cooperation.
Sharing his vision for 2047, Sinha said, “Let us build a Jammu Kashmir where there is trust instead of fear, opportunity instead of scarcity, justice instead of injustice, and where every young person and every woman finds wings for their dreams.”

(Straight Talk Communications)