Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reported on Monday that large segments of India have freed themselves from terrorism, particularly highlighting the noteworthy improvement in the northeastern states. Speaking at the Strategic Management Forum Conference in Jammu, Sinha emphasized that local recruitment into terrorist ranks in Jammu and Kashmir has seen a drastic decline.
Sinha addressed attendees at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu, stating that while a few pockets still face threats, much of the northeast has become terrorism-free. He pointed out that the once-menacing issue of left-wing extremism and Naxalism has shrunk significantly, now confined to just two or three districts.
“Large parts of the country have been freed from terrorism. The threat of left-wing extremism has diminished,” Sinha declared during the conference focused on achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Specifically discussing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha asserted that no top commanders of terrorist organizations remain active in the region today. “Local recruitment into terrorism has observed a sharp decline, with hardly one or two youths being recruited now,” he confirmed.
However, he raised concerns about Pakistan’s ongoing attempts to infiltrate terrorists into Indian territory. “Those coming from across the border hide in dense forests and rugged terrain. I assure you they will be eliminated,” he added, committing to a strong stance against cross-border terrorism.
Sinha pointed out that the landscape of terrorism has transformed, with educated individuals increasingly becoming involved. He stressed that combating terrorism requires the contribution of society in addition to security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in parts of Karnataka and Kerala.
“The security forces can’t do it alone; society and specific administration sectors must also play their roles,” he encouraged.
In a strong call to action, Sinha urged the audience to move away from the divisive “insider-outsider” narrative that hampers development progress. “Such thinking creates hurdles. We must foster unity to ensure holistic development,” he stated emphatically.
Highlighting India’s progress toward Viksit Bharat 2047, Sinha called for policymakers and business leaders to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities present in today’s global landscape. He stressed the need for macroeconomic stability, future investments in education and health, and the adoption of digital tools.
He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with driving unprecedented growth in India, fostering renewed confidence among industry leaders. Sinha noted, “Our manufacturing and services sectors are now competing on a global scale, thanks to the Prime Minister’s emphasis on Swadeshi.”
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the untapped economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir, pointing out its rich reserves of minerals such as limestone, sapphire, and lithium. “With strategic planning, we can generate an annual revenue of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore within the next five to seven years,” he predicted.
He advised maximizing the hydropower sector and proposed amendments to the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme to meet changing economic needs.
Moreover, on this occasion, Sinha unveiled the Basohli Painting Exhibition and presided over the valedictory session of the associated workshop, acknowledging the significance of Basohli Painting as a vital component of India’s artistic heritage. “This culture holds immense value for present and future generations,” he stated, commending both IIM Jammu and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts for their efforts.
The event also saw the participation of prominent figures including Prof. B.S. Sahay (Director, IIM Jammu), R.K. Chaudhary (Chairman, JERC J&K and Ladakh), and several other academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, and artists, all collaborating towards a vision of sustainable development and progress.
