Srinagar: Reiterating that J&K’s statehood will be restored at an appropriate time and everyone needs to wait for it, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that during his five-year tenure he has been able to establish the authority of Indian state in the region.
In an interview to a news channel LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reflected on his five-year tenure and the significant transformation the region has undergone under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“When Article 370 was abrogated in August 2019, the Union Home Minister outlined a three-step process: delimitation, elections, and then restoration of statehood at an appropriate time. Delimitation has been completed, assembly elections have been held peacefully with high voter turnout, and an elected government is now in place. The final step—statehood—will happen, but at the right time,” LG Sinha said.
He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is now more closely integrated with the rest of India than ever before, but acknowledged that “more needs to be done.” Referring to J&K as a “frontier area,” LG Sinha underlined the importance of maintaining Centres control over law and order, especially in light of persistent threats from across the border.
LG Sinha said, “Terrorism continues to be a state policy for Pakistan, which persists in pushing foreign terrorists into our territory. However, our security forces remain vigilant and fully prepared to counter such threats. “
“The biggest achievement, though, is the sharp decline in local recruitment into terrorist outfits — where earlier 100 to 150 local youths joined annually, this year only one case has been reported. Even last year, the number had dropped to just six or seven. This reflects the growing public confidence in peace and governance,” LG Sinha said.
