‘Already lost many innocent lives’: J&K LG Manoj Sinha slams ‘TRF-like’ narratives

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha issued a stern warning to "divisive" elements in the society on Thursday, asking them to stop spreading fake and dangerous narratives that threaten peace and harmony.

Sinha inaugurated the "Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025" exhibition and public-outreach initiative here.

In his address, the LG said some people are making "irresponsible" statements, such as guests are spoiling the culture of Jammu and Kashmir.

"They are saying there is a demographic invasion and alcoholism is spreading. This is a narrative similar to that of terror outfit TRF (The Resistance Front).

"I appeal to those making such statements to stop peddling such narratives. We have already lost many innocent lives due to similar statements in the past," he said, without naming anyone.

During his address at the event, Sinha reiterated his resolve to ensure justice for the families of terror victims and asserted that those responsible for their sufferings will be held accountable.

"We are honouring and delivering justice to real terror victims of the Kashmir valley. I recently met families of terror victims in Anantnag.

"SRO-43 was compromised in the past. Instead of those who are entitled for jobs, killers were granted jobs under SRO-43. Whoever misused SRO-43 will face action," he said.

Sinha said jobs at the doorstep will be ensured for families of terror victims.

"I will be handing over job letters to such families in a few days," he added.

Sharing the remarkable growth story of the country and the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir over the last few years, the LG said since 2014, India is rapidly moving towards becoming a global superpower with a new resolve, new thinking and a new roadmap.

Within six years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has scripted a new history of Jammu and Kashmir, he said, adding that in the new Jammu and Kashmir, children have pens in their hands and not stones, schools and colleges remain open throughout the year and calendars of international programmes are published instead of bandhs and strikes.

"It is a new Jammu and Kashmir where our youngsters are achieving new heights in innovation and research. It is a new Jammu and Kashmir where our youngsters are now focussing on startups and starting their own business ventures.

"In the new Jammu and Kashmir, instead of slogans of separatism, the sound of factories and tourists' and people's laughter is being heard," the LG said.

He added that Jammu and Kashmir's economy has doubled in the last five-six years.

The region has become a favourite investment destination and more BPOs are coming up in the Union Territory, Sinha said, adding that the Jammu and Kashmir Bank, which was earlier at a loss of Rs 1,300 crore, is now at a profit of Rs 1,700 crore.

"Jammu and Kashmir is writing stories of its golden era by ensuring equal opportunities to the aspirations of the deprived classes, farmers, women and youngsters. What was previously impossible here has been made possible," he said.

The LG said the next 22 years can prove to be golden years for Jammu and Kashmir in the journey of "Amrit Kaal", provided "we give the new generation an opportunity to play a big role in this development journey of the nation".

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, central schemes and innovations will shape our youngsters' dream into reality. I am looking forward to the day when youngsters from Jammu and Kashmir will join the space sector, become astronauts to explore new frontiers of space," he said.

The LG commended the "Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025" initiative, aimed at creating awareness about government schemes, welfare programmes and highlighting innovation and technology-driven development across multiple sectors.

He said the two-day mega exhibition will educate and engage youngsters, students, farmers, entrepreneurs and every section of the society with real-time exposure of government services and build a bridge between government and people.