Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir had undergone a historic security transformation since the abrogation of Article 370, asserting that peace had been established through a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism rather than through compromises.

Addressing the J&K Union Territory Foundation Day function in Srinagar, Sinha said more than 780 terrorists had been eliminated since 2020, local recruitment into militant ranks had ended and stone-pelting had been eradicated.

“We did not buy peace, we established peace. Zero-tolerance policy crippled terror networks and restored normal life across Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He claimed that terrorism, separatism and stone-pelting had given way to democracy, development and public participation following the removal of Article 370 in August 2019.

“Article 370 abrogation gave ordinary citizens freedom from fear and access to rights denied for decades. Jammu Kashmir has emerged as a model of peace, development and good governance,” Sinha said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the changes introduced in 2019 had strengthened national integration, expanded opportunities for citizens and reinforced democratic institutions.

He said the establishment of grassroots democratic institutions and the conduct of Assembly elections had enhanced public participation and accountability.

Referring to the security situation, Sinha said the administration continued to pursue strong action against narco-terrorism, including arrests, attachment of illegally acquired properties and demolition of structures allegedly financed through drug trafficking.

“We have arrested thousands of drug smugglers and drug peddlers this year. Their illicit assets have been attached and drug-funded mansions were demolished,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also targeted what he described as “conflict entrepreneurs”, accusing them of benefiting from separatism and terrorism.

“Conflict entrepreneurs who profited from separatism and terrorism stand exposed. People of Jammu Kashmir have embraced peace, progress and national integration,” he said.

Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir's future depended on sustaining peace, ensuring equal opportunities and accelerating economic development.

“The future of Jammu and Kashmir lies not in the shadow of terror, but in the light of peace; not behind the walls of discrimination, but in equal opportunities; and not in stagnation, but in the momentum of progress,” he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Paying tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, the Lieutenant Governor said the occasion represented a milestone in the region's journey towards integration, equality and inclusive development.

He said unity could be sustained only through justice, accountability and public trust, adding that institutions must demonstrate their commitment through action rather than promises.

“Public trust must be won not merely by promises, but by deeds. Justice and accountability are the strongest foundations of unity,” he said.

Outlining priorities for the coming years, Sinha identified employment generation, youth empowerment, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, environmental sustainability, women's empowerment and transparent governance as key areas requiring sustained attention.

He stressed the need to equip young people with skills suited to the changing global economy and encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and participation in sports.

The Lieutenant Governor also called for modern agricultural practices, climate-resilient farming and value addition to improve rural livelihoods.

Referring to displaced communities, he said their safe and dignified return, along with the restoration of social trust, required collective commitment and cooperation.

Sharing his vision for 2047, Sinha said he wanted Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as a model of prosperity with a modern economy, world-class healthcare, quality education and a vibrant cultural heritage.

“Let us build a Jammu Kashmir where there is trust instead of fear, opportunity instead of scarcity, justice instead of injustice, and where every young person and every woman finds wings for their dreams,” he said.

Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Unity Pledge and flagged off the Run for Unity to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. A documentary highlighting Jammu and Kashmir's developmental journey was also screened.

J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to LG Govind Jaiswal, IGP Kashmir Sujit Singh, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg and senior officials from the civil administration and security forces attended the function, along with representatives of educational institutions, civil society members and youth. (KNS)