Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has strongly condemned the rhetoric surrounding "demographic invasion" in Kashmir, asserting that such narratives echo those of terrorist groups like The Resistance Front (TRF). Sinha's remarks came during the inauguration of the 'Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025' exhibition and public outreach initiative in Srinagar. He described the event as a step towards innovation-driven development and citizen-government engagement in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha cautioned against divisive elements spreading "fake and dangerous narratives" that threaten peace and harmony in the region. He specifically addressed concerns raised by political parties regarding "demographic change" and the opening of liquor shops in the Valley, stating that these concerns mirrored the propaganda of terrorist organizations. He appealed to those making such statements to cease promoting such narratives, emphasizing that similar statements have led to the loss of innocent lives in the past.
The Lieutenant Governor also took exception to statements that portray "guests are spoiling the culture of J&K" or suggest a "demographic invasion". He deemed these statements as "misleading" and "dangerous" and urged the public to oppose them. Sinha emphasized that such rhetoric harms the spirit of unity and creates unnecessary divisions within society. He called upon political leaders and citizens to refrain from using divisive terms like "local" and "non-local," stressing that all residents are Indians and should work together to build a united and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
Furthermore, Sinha highlighted the government's commitment to delivering justice to victims of terrorism and warned that those responsible for their suffering would be held accountable. He revealed that job letters under SRO-43, a government employment scheme for families affected by militancy, would be directly handed over to eligible families, correcting past instances where the scheme was allegedly misused to provide jobs to perpetrators instead of victims.
Sinha also outlined a transformative economic vision for Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the Union Territory's economy has doubled in the past five to six years. He mentioned the turnaround of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, which has shifted from losses to significant profits, and highlighted the region's emergence as a favorite investment destination. He expressed optimism about the future, stating that youth from Jammu and Kashmir would have opportunities to excel in fields like space research under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In addition to addressing concerns about demographic change and terrorism, Sinha also spoke about the importance of fostering communal harmony and attracting investment in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the government's commitment to empowering women, farmers, marginalized communities, and youth, and creating a conducive environment for innovation and research.
