Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Oct 31
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday warned against attempts to revive separatism and militancy in the Union Territory, saying those who had benefited from years of conflict were finding it difficult to accept the region’s improved security situation.
Addressing the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day function in Srinagar, Sinha made an apparent reference to National Conference president Farooq Abdullah’s recent remarks on Pakistan’s role in keeping the Kashmir issue on the international agenda.
Without naming Abdullah, the Lieutenant Governor criticised political leaders for speaking about Pakistan while overlooking India’s growing international standing.
He said some elements were uncomfortable with the peace, stability and development witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir and were attempting to push the region back towards separatism and violence.
Sinha said the region had undergone changes that many people had once considered unlikely.
“We had very comfortably accepted a compromise and had even given up hope of any change. But God has been kind. In our lifetime, the picture of J&K has changed,” he said.
He questioned why some political figures continued to refer to Pakistan, which he said faced difficulties in ensuring basic food supplies, rather than highlighting India’s achievements on the global stage.
The Lieutenant Governor alleged that certain political figures had enjoyed privileged lifestyles while ordinary Kashmiris bore the consequences of prolonged conflict.
He said public reactions, particularly on social media, reflected growing awareness among young people and women about the region’s political past.
Sinha warned that authorities would not allow militancy to regain a foothold in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that security forces and police were committed to eliminating remaining terrorist networks.
He said more than 780 terrorists had been killed since 2020, while local recruitment and stone-pelting had ended. He also claimed that thousands of people involved in drug trafficking had been arrested during the year and properties linked to illicit activities attached.
Describing the developments as a major security transformation following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Sinha said separatism and violence had given way to greater public participation, democracy and development.
He said there was no place in Jammu and Kashmir for what he called “conflict entrepreneurs” who had profited from separatism and terrorism.
Sinha also warned that anyone attempting to disrupt peace, development or public life would face severe consequences.
His remarks came a week after Abdullah, addressing an NC workers’ convention in Baramulla on October 24, said Pakistan’s continued efforts to raise Kashmir internationally had helped keep the issue alive.
Abdullah had questioned whether New Delhi would deliver justice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and urged them to remain united in defending their rights.
He later clarified that his remarks did not imply that Pakistan had good intentions towards Kashmir.
The comments drew criticism from the BJP, which accused the NC president of lending legitimacy to Pakistan’s position. Former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also criticised Abdullah, describing Pakistan as a destroyer of Jammu and Kashmir.
