Srinagar, July 16 (KNS): As Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha completes five years in office, he reflects on the remarkable transformation Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed. From the abrogation of Article 370 to the recent Operation Sindoor, Sinha says the last five years have been about overcoming challenges and laying the foundation for a peaceful and prosperous future.

He pointed out that J&K has seen a visible shift—from uncertainty to stability, and from fear to faith. “People have become stakeholders in peace. There is a sense of ownership now. Where 100-150 youths used to join terror outfits earlier, only one joined this year,” Sinha said.

According to KNS, LG said one of the biggest achievements has been economic growth. The region's economy, he said, has almost doubled. J&K Bank, once in a loss of Rs12–13 crore, is now showing a profit of Rs 17 crore. Travel time between Jammu and Srinagar has reduced significantly due to major highway and tunnel projects worth Rs1.5 lakh crore.

He also noted the development of premier institutions like IIT, IIM, NIFT, and multiple new medical colleges. In the power sector, new generation projects of over 3,100 megawatts have been sanctioned, and transmission capacity has improved significantly.

Tourism has reached record highs, with 2.38 crore visitors in the last year alone. “This tourism boom has provided direct employment and boosted the local economy,” said Sinha.

Private investment, which was earlier limited to Rs 14,000 crore, has received a major push under the new industrial policy. Projects worth Rs 10,000–12,000 crore are already operational, while Rs 28,000–30,000 crore worth of proposals are in the pipeline.

On digital governance, he said that over 1,140 government services are now available online. Land records have been fully digitized, and transparency in governance has improved. Through a holistic agricultural development plan launched in 2022, 29 projects aim to double the sector's contribution to the GDP.

In terms of security, Sinha credited the Army, J&K Police, and CAPFs for their proactive approach. “We are not buying peace, we are establishing it,” he said, referring to India’s firm stand on terrorism.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said the valley has moved past shutdowns and strikes, with night-life returning and rock pelting nearly disappearing.

Operation Sindoor, he added, is a strong message to terrorists and their handlers. “The Prime Minister has made it clear: terror and talks can’t go together. If there’s terror, we’ll treat it as an act of war,” he asserted.

Sinha also spoke emotionally about supporting terror victim families. After meeting several such families in Baramulla, he said the administration decided to provide financial assistance and 40 government jobs to the affected. “Some were never compensated, some didn’t have FIRs, some lost their land. We are acting on all these fronts with a full government approach,” he said.

On the matter of statehood, Sinha explained the roadmap shared in Parliament—delimitation first, then elections, followed by restoration of statehood at an appropriate time. “Delimitation is complete, elections were peacefully held, and now the statehood promise will be fulfilled at the right time,” he said, calling it a commitment made by the Centre.

Regarding relations with elected leaders and power balance, Sinha maintained that his ties with public representatives are cordial. “I know my limits. The law clearly defines the roles of the LG and the elected government. Where confusion arises, it will be addressed,” he said.

He rejected the criticism that government actions under Article 311 were community-targeted. “Every case involved strong evidence of terror links. It’s not about religion, it’s about national security. The innocent are never touched, only the guilty are acted against,” he clarified.

When asked what remains to be done, Sinha said he’s satisfied with his efforts so far but believes there’s always more to achieve. “The authority of the Indian State has been fully established in J&K. People are getting jobs, youth are hopeful, and development is visible everywhere,” he said.

He said J&K is no longer driven by fear or violence but by aspirations and opportunities. “This is the new Kashmir—peaceful, progressive, and full of possibilities,”.(KNS).