Onlykashmir.in News Desk
In an exclusive interview with ABP News anchor Chitra Tripathi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reflected on the five-year journey of Jammu and Kashmir since he assumed office in August 2020, highlighting sweeping changes in security, economy, governance, and public confidence.
As Sinha completes five years on August 7, 2025, he stated that his tenure was guided by four key principles: Peace, Prosperity, Progress, and People First. “These weren’t just slogans but the framework for a systematic transformation. I am satisfied that we’ve achieved substantial success on each front,” he said.
Here is the full text of the interview extracted exclusively from the video by the OnlyKashmir.in desk
Peace and Normalcy Return
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that incidents like shutdowns, hartals, and stone-pelting—once a regular feature in the region—have become “history.” “There was a time when our neighbor used to dictate Kashmir’s streets. Today, normalcy has returned. For the first time in over three decades, peaceful Muharram processions were held. Cinema halls are open, and nightlife has revived,” he added.
Sinha also noted that the restoration of public trust has been central to the administration’s approach. “People now feel confident that the administration stands with them.”
Economic Revival and Employment Push
On economic progress, the LG claimed that the Union Territory’s economy has nearly doubled in five years. “Yes, development is a continuous process, but the pace and scale in these five years are unprecedented,” he asserted.
Responding to concerns over unemployment, especially among youth, Sinha revealed that over 40,000 government vacancies were filled with transparency. He also highlighted the success of self-employment schemes like the PMEGP, under which J&K has ranked number one in India for three consecutive years, despite representing just 1% of the country’s population.
“Tourism, agriculture (HADP), and industry have opened up massive employment opportunities,” he added, pointing out that 8–9 lakh women are engaged in business through self-help groups.
Justice for Terror Victim Families
In a moving segment, the LG recounted his meeting with families of terror victims. “A girl told me how her father, an SPO, was killed and her mother raised two daughters by begging. That moment led to concrete action,” Sinha said.
The administration has since implemented several measures:
- Government jobs for eligible victims’ families
- Financial support and self-employment facilitation through Mudra loans
- Reopening of closed FIRs and reclaiming encroached property
- Launch of a dedicated helpline for terror victim families
“Forty appointment letters were issued just today. This process will continue,” he affirmed.
Pilgrimage and Infrastructure Growth
Referring to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, Sinha noted that despite the Pahalgam terror attack, the yatra has remained uninterrupted. Over 2 lakh pilgrims have already visited in a span of a few weeks.
He emphasized significant infrastructure upgrades—12-foot-wide roads, expanded power grids, new pilgrim shelters, and enhanced safety measures. “The real heroes are the locals who welcomed pilgrims wholeheartedly, even after the attack,” he said, praising the people of Pahalgam for their solidarity and resilience.
On Article 370 and Pakistan
When asked about the ongoing debate around Article 370, Sinha maintained that the matter is settled. “The Parliament abrogated it. The Supreme Court has upheld its constitutionality. Its return is not possible,” he asserted.
He also took a veiled dig at Pakistan, saying, “The people now believe their future lies with India. Pakistan has only inflicted wounds, not support.”
Women-Led Growth and G20 Diplomacy
Sinha lauded the increased participation of women in sectors like education, crafts, sports, and business. “J&K is an excellent example of the Prime Minister’s vision of women-led development.”
He also pointed to the successful hosting of the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar as a diplomatic and symbolic milestone. “The images from the G20 sent a powerful message to the world,” he said.
The Road Ahead
Asked about the biggest challenges ahead, the LG cited cross-border infiltration and terrorism. “Security remains a focus area. But the ecosystem that once favored separatism and violence has been dismantled,” he said.
Dismissing political claims about restoring Article 370, he remarked, “Let them make statements. The law of the land has spoken.”
Sinha concluded the interview by expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Prime Minister and Home Minister. “Their continuous support enabled us to achieve these historic changes. But there’s still much more to be done.”
