Srinagar, July 10 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday inaugurated the 'Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025' exhibition and public outreach programme in Srinagar, emphasizing the Union Territory’s rapid transformation and warning against divisive and misleading narratives.

Addressing a large gathering, the LG strongly condemned statements suggesting that the presence of tourists or new residents was harming J&K’s culture. “Some people are irresponsibly claiming there’s a demographic invasion or rising alcoholism. This narrative mirrors what terror outfits like TRF have pushed in the past. I urge them to stop — we have already lost many innocent lives due to such propaganda,” Sinha said.

He assured the public that the administration remains committed to delivering justice to families affected by terrorism. “We are honouring real victims. I met several families in Anantnag recently. In the past, SRO-43 was misused — those who committed crimes were given jobs instead of the deserving victims. Those responsible will face consequences,” he stated.

Sinha praised the growth J&K has witnessed in recent years. “Since 2014, India has been rising as a global power. In the last six years, Jammu and Kashmir has completely changed. Now, students carry pens instead of stones, schools are open year-round, and international programmes replace shutdowns and strikes,” he said.

The LG highlighted how the youth are now leading innovations, launching startups, and pursuing business ventures. “In today’s J&K, we hear the sounds of factories, tourists, and people’s laughter — not the noise of separatism,” he remarked.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Sharing economic progress, Sinha said that J&K’s economy has nearly doubled in the last five to six years. “From being in loss, J&K Bank is now in profit of Rs 1,700 crore. The UT is becoming a top destination for investment, and more BPOs are setting up here.”

He said this phase could mark a golden era for Jammu and Kashmir. “The next 22 years can be J&K’s golden period if we empower our young generation. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, central schemes and innovations will help turn our youth’s dreams into reality. I hope to see youth from J&K explore space as astronauts in the near future,” he added.

Sinha also commended the 'Bharat Sanrachna J&K 2025' initiative, saying the exhibition will create awareness about government schemes and inspire students, farmers, entrepreneurs, and the youth.

The three-day mega event features interactive exhibitions from central ministries and public sector units, live demonstrations, workshops, career sessions, and showcases of local talent and entrepreneurship. Ministries such as Defence, Commerce, Space, Tourism, Mines, MSME, and key research institutions are participating.

The LG urged schools and colleges to visit the exhibition in large numbers to motivate students to become contributors to J&K’s development.

The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Er. Gulam Ali Khatana, Deputy Commissioner Akshay Labroo, Director Tarmeh Events Tarun Jain, central government officials, entrepreneurs, and a large number of youth and citizens. (KNS)