Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated that while the government and security forces are pivotal in combating terrorism, the eradication of this menace also falls upon the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at an event on Saturday, Sinha underscored the collaborative responsibility shared between authorities and the public.
During his address, Sinha highlighted that terrorism in India has significantly decreased, now predominantly affecting specific regions. He pointed out that areas in the North-East have largely achieved peace, with left-wing extremism confined to very few districts. He expressed confidence that this would be eliminated in the coming months.
“Terrorism has been greatly reduced elsewhere in the country. We see that the North-East is largely terror-free now,” Sinha remarked. He noted that while some districts in Karnataka, Kerala, and Jammu and Kashmir continue to face challenges, there is a pressing need to eliminate such threats.
“It is the biggest hurdle to development and creating employment opportunities,” he emphasized. Sinha added that while security forces and the administration are fully committed to their roles, the citizens’ involvement remains crucial. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir need to refrain from actions that could inadvertently escalate such activities,” he pointed out.
In his speech, Sinha conveyed optimism regarding the current state of safety in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that incidents of street violence and stone-pelting have diminished significantly, transforming it into a situation comparable to other parts of India.
“Schools, colleges, and businesses operate normally, and importantly, we no longer witness the presence of top commanders from major terror organizations. This year, there has only been one local recruitment into terrorist ranks,” Sinha stated.
Addressing the role of external forces in perpetuating terrorism, Sinha cited Pakistan’s involvement as a significant contributor to ongoing extremism. “Despite noticeable progress, we unfortunately contend with a neighbor engaged in constant mischief,” he remarked. He elaborated on Pakistan’s historical aggression since the partition, emphasizing their failure in conventional warfare against India and their pivot to proxy warfare through radicalization.
Sinha highlighted the tragic human cost resulting from terrorism, stating that over 40,000 lives have been lost to violence in the region. “How long will this continue? It is the duty of the government and the forces to combat terrorism, but the public must also play their part,” he urged.
In closing, Sinha raised concerns about the discourse surrounding terrorism, suggesting that erroneous statements by individuals could mirror extremist narratives, particularly those espoused by groups like ‘The Resistance Front’ (TRF). “When we echo the same sentiments as terrorist organizations, it poses significant dangers,” he concluded.
