We did not buy peace; we established peace in J&K: L-G Manoj Sinha on UT Foundation Day

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha during the J and K UT Foundation Day at SKICC, in Srinagar on October 31, 2026. Photo: L-G office via PTI. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while speaking on the 8th J&K Union Territory Foundation Day and the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, said Article 370’s abrogation gave ordinary citizens freedom from fear and access to rights denied for decades. However, no ruling party leader or Minister attended the function on the foundation day. “We did not buy peace; we established peace. Zero-tolerance policy crippled terror networks and restored normal life across J&K. Since 2020, more than 780 terrorists have been eliminated, local recruitment ended, stone-pelting erased. Now Jammu Kashmir is witnessing a historic security transformation.” He said terror, separatism and stone-pelting have given way to democracy, development and public participation after Article 370 was removed. “Strong action against narco-terrorism continues. We have arrested thousands of drug smugglers and drug peddlers this year. Their illicit assets have been attached, and drug-funded mansions were demolished. Conflict entrepreneurs who profited from separatism and terrorism stand exposed. People of J&K have embraced peace, progress and national integration,” said Mr. Sinha. Terming October 31 “not merely a date”, Mr. Sinha said, “It is a milestone that changed the direction of history and strengthened the spirit of national integration, equality and inclusive development. Article 370 abrogation gave ordinary citizens freedom from fear and access to rights denied for decades. J&K has emerged as a model of peace, development and good governance,” said Mr. Sinha. Referring to the aspirations of the people, Mr. Sharma said that the future of J&K must be shaped by peace, equal opportunities and development. “The future of Jammu and Kashmir lies not in the shadow of terror, but in the light of peace; not behind the walls of discrimination, but in equal opportunities; and not in stagnation, but in the momentum of progress,” he added. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that unity is sustained through justice and public trust. “Public trust must be won not merely by promises, but by deeds. Justice and accountability are the strongest foundations of unity,” he said. Mr. Sinha underlined the need to ensure that growth remains inclusive and reaches every household, village and community. “Children and youth are growing up in an environment focused on education, opportunity and progress, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. A stable and peaceful environment benefits every section of society, including farmers, entrepreneurs, traders, students and workers,” said Mr. Sinha. He expressed satisfaction that the people of J&K were increasingly participating in developmental initiatives and contributing to the region’s growth story. “My dream is that by 2047, J&K should emerge as a model of prosperity with a modern economy, world-class healthcare, excellent education and a vibrant cultural heritage,” said Mr. Sinha. Meanwhile, a documentary film on J&K’s transformational journey was also screened. The function was attended by senior BJP leader and chairperson, J&K Waqf Board, Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, etc. However, no leader from the regional parties, including the ruling National Conference, attended these functions. Meanwhile, speaking on the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’, Mr. Sinha administered the ‘Unity Pledge’ to Lok Bhavan officials, staff and security personnel. Published - November 01, 2026 02:06 am IST