Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday emphasized that while government efforts advance, ending terrorism is a shared responsibility of the citizens in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at an event in Jammu, Sinha highlighted the need for public participation in combating this societal ill.
He stated that terrorism rates have significantly dropped nationwide, confining violent acts to only a few states. “Terrorism has seen a decline in the country, notably in the North-East, which is now largely terror-free,” Sinha remarked. He added that left-wing extremism has diminished significantly, limiting its reach to a few districts.
However, Sinha pointed out that areas such as Karnataka, Kerala, and primarily Jammu and Kashmir, continue to face the persistent challenge of terrorism. He underscored the pressing need for the community to eradicate this menace, stating, “It is the biggest hurdle to development and creating employment opportunities.”
While lauding the work of security forces, Sinha urged the local populace to avoid actions that could inadvertently support terrorism. “They should not indulge in anything that could lead to a rise in such activities either intentionally or unintentionally,” he added, stressing that such behavior only exacerbates the situation.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed optimism regarding the improving scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that incidents of street violence and stone pelting have diminished considerably. “Schools, colleges, and business activities function normally, akin to other states across India,” he noted, citing the absence of any major terrorist commanders and a mere single recruitment into terrorist ranks this year.
Addressing the ongoing challenge posed by neighboring Pakistan, Sinha reiterated that despite the progress, external support for terrorism remains a critical concern. He articulated, “Rather than focusing on nation-building after partition, Pakistan has consistently engaged in aggression, specifically attacking Jammu and Kashmir.” He lamented the loss of life due to terrorism, which has claimed over 40,000 lives since its inception.
Reflecting on this alarming statistic, he beseeched the community: “How long will this continue? While it is the duty of the government and forces to stop this, the responsibility lies with the people as well.” He encouraged citizens to unite in the fight against this threat.
Without naming specific individuals, Sinha criticized those who echo sentiments similar to terrorist factions, warning that “when narratives are created like this, it causes huge damages.” He urged citizens to critically evaluate the rhetoric they encounter, asserting that parallels with terrorist propaganda are dangerous.
