Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the 8th Union Territory Foundation Day and paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary.
Addressing a gathering at SKICC Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated the contributions of farmers, teachers, traders, workers, artists, artisans, security personnel, youth and women towards the development of the Union Territory. He observed that the occasion held special significance because it coincided with the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, whose vision of national unity continues to inspire the country.
Highlighting developments since 2019, Sinha spoke of changes in democracy, security and development. He pointed to the strengthening of grassroots democratic institutions and the conduct of Assembly elections as milestones in the Union Territory’s political journey.
On security, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration was following a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. He stated that more than 780 terrorists had been eliminated since 2020 and claimed that local terrorist recruitment and stone-pelting incidents had come to an end. He also spoke of action against drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, saying several arrests had been made and properties linked to illegal activities had been attached.
Sinha said peace, equal opportunities and inclusive development were essential for the future of Jammu and Kashmir. He stressed the need to focus on employment generation, youth empowerment, agriculture, healthcare, education, tourism, women’s empowerment and transparent governance. He also called for strengthening social harmony and ensuring the safe and dignified return of displaced communities.
Sharing his vision for the future, the Lieutenant Governor said he wanted Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as a model of prosperity by 2047, with a modern economy, quality healthcare, excellent education and a vibrant cultural heritage.
Earlier, Sinha administered the Unity Pledge and flagged off the Run for Unity to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. A documentary on the development journey of Jammu and Kashmir, prepared by the Information Department, was also screened for the gathering.
Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory on October 31, 2019, following the reorganisation of the erstwhile state, and the date has since been observed annually as Foundation Day. It also coincides with National Unity Day, which honours Sardar Patel for his role in integrating the princely states into the Indian Union. Since the Assembly elections, the Union Territory has had an elected government alongside the Lieutenant Governor, making the question of governance priorities a matter of continuing public discussion.
The event was attended by J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, senior civil and police officers, security personnel, prominent citizens, members of civil society and youth.
