Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, August 5: In a deeply symbolic and emotionally charged ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on 05 Aug 2025, which marks the 6th anniversary of the Abrogation of Article 370, handed over government appointment letters to 158 family members of Kashmiri civilians who fell victim to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism over the past three decades.
Speaking at the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor paid solemn tributes to the civilian martyrs and hailed the resilience and courage of the bereaved families, many of whom recounted harrowing memories of loss, fear, and prolonged neglect.
“The wounds of terror have lingered for decades, but today’s gesture offers a measure of closure and recognition,” said the Lieutenant Governor. “The pain of losing loved ones may never fully heal, but justice delayed is no longer justice denied.”
The LG shared poignant testimonies, including that of Abdul Majid Mir of Baramulla, who was kidnapped and brutally killed by terrorists in 2004. His son, Mudasir Majid, received his appointment letter today, more than two decades after the family lost its sole breadwinner. Similarly, the family of Abdul Majeed Wani of Anantnag, gunned down in 1994, was represented by his son Suhail Majeed, who finally received a government job appointment after 31 years.
In other cases: Khurshid Ahmad Rather, son of slain SPO Manzoor Ahmad Rather (killed in 2000), received his appointment letter after 25 years of official silence.
Parvez Ahmad Dar, who lost both his father (1996) and brother (2004) to terrorism, was also granted employment, bringing some reprieve after nearly three decades of suffering.
“These stories speak of loss, but also of patience and the quiet strength of Kashmiri families who refused to give up hope. We cannot undo the past, but we can restore dignity and ensure that the sacrifices of these families are honored with action,” the LG added.
Reflecting on the post-Article 370 transformation, the LG reiterated that August 5, 2019, marked the dawn of a “new Jammu & Kashmir” one built on equality, dignity, and rule of law.
“In the past, jobs were handed to those who sympathized with terrorists. Today, the real martyrs — innocent civilians — are being acknowledged and empowered. The state is no longer a silent bystander but a proactive agent of justice,” he stated.
He affirmed that terrorism will not be romanticized and warned that those who aid, abet, or sympathize with terrorists will face the harshest consequences. “The time has come to draw a clear line, we stand with the victims, not the perpetrators,” he said.
The LG lauded the efforts of administrative and police officers for dealing with the matter with “sensitivity and urgency.” A dedicated web portal and district-level helplines have been launched to streamline the relief process and ensure that no genuine case remains unaddressed.
This event follows earlier outreach initiatives in Baramulla (July 13) and Jammu (July 28) and further reaffirms the administration’s resolve to heal the scars of terrorism with sustainable solutions, not symbolic gestures.
The LG concluded by calling upon all sections of society to unite against the forces of terror.
“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has sent a clear message: terrorism will be met with resolute, visible action. Peace is not optional—it is a prerequisite for progress.”
Senior officials including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, and other top civil and police functionaries attended the ceremony.
The remaining appointment letters will be handed over to the eligible families at their respective district headquarters in the coming days, ensuring that every deserving family receives its due recognition and support.
