Will not rest until we uproot terrorism, its ecosystem from J&K: LG Sinha

Jammu, Apr 17: Reaffirming the commitment to wipe out the ecosystem of terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that Pakistan is constantly trying to derail peace in J&K by pushing terrorists into the UT, even as it struggles with its own internal issues, urging the public to cooperate with authorities by reporting anyone who supports or shelters terror elements. LG Sinha further stated, “We will not rest until we completely wipe out terrorism and its entire ecosystem from Jammu Kashmir.”
Addressing a gathering during inauguration of the week-long Mega Surgical Camp, at Doda and Kishtwar, Sinha said that every time peace starts to return in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan gets restless. “They start creating problems whenever they see stability here,” he added.
He said that Pakistan, despite being unable to meet the basic needs of its own people, continues to interfere in J&K by supporting terrorism. “It is a country struggling with deep internal issues. It’s unable to ensure even basic services for its people. Yet, it keeps trying to harm Jammu and Kashmir’s peace,” Sinha said.
He added that security forces, police, and the civil administration are working closely together in anti-terror operations, but despite efforts, Pakistan continues to provoke trouble in J&K.
LG Sinha underlined that maintaining peace is not just the job of the administration. “Some individuals within our own communities provide shelter or help to such elements,” he said, appealing to the public to stand against such support networks.
“If anyone among you is aware of such persons, don’t hide them — inform the police. Terrorism must be rooted out completely, and until that happens, our forces and administration will continue their efforts without rest,” the LG said.
He reiterated the administration’s approach towards maintaining law and order: “We must never harm innocent people, but those guilty of crimes must be dealt with strictly.”
Speaking earlier during an event after inaugurating a week-long mega surgical camp in Doda and Kishtwar, organized by Rotary International in partnership with the health department and district administrations, Sinha said that these camps are part of a wider effort by the J&K administration to make healthcare accessible to all. “Providing quality healthcare to every citizen is a key focus for us. We’ve strengthened the infrastructure and improved service delivery to ensure timely treatment,” he said.
Sinha said that due to efforts made in the past five years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir’s healthcare infrastructure has undergone a massive transformation. Today, every citizen is entitled to Rs 5 lakh health coverage, which was unthinkable before 2019.
He said that the number of government medical colleges has increased from four to eleven, and if Ayurvedic, Unani, and Homeopathy colleges are included, ten new medical colleges and hospitals have been built in just five years.
He also said that AIIMS Jammu has already started operations and AIIMS Awantipora in Kashmir will soon be made functional. Two State Cancer Institutes — one each in Jammu and Srinagar — are also being established.
He further said that a 500-bed pediatric hospital in Srinagar was recently inaugurated and additional blocks at Bone and Joint hospitals in Jammu and Srinagar are under development. Rajouri and Kathua are also witnessing new maternal and child healthcare facilities.
Sinha said that over 86 lakh citizens in J&K have been issued Golden Cards under the SEHAT scheme, which provides cashless treatment at 253 empanelled hospitals. So far, Rs 2,900 crore has been spent on citizen treatment — an amount that otherwise would have burdened families.
He said that even basic ambulance services were not available before 2019. Today, a fleet of 490 ambulances provides emergency response across the UT. Over 4.5 lakh people availed the service in just one year.
Sinha also said that three districts have been declared tuberculosis-free while seven others have applied for TB-free certification. Dialysis centers are now functional in 200 blocks, and 71 centers are equipped with radiology services.
He further said that medical education capacity has expanded dramatically. MBBS seats have risen from 500 to 1,300, BSc Nursing from 685 to 2,990, and DNB from 20 to 392. B.Pharma seats increased from 35 to 373. Postgraduate seats have also increased to 670.
He added that over 3,000 Health and Wellness Centers are now operational across J&K and these improvements ensure better emergency care and long-term healthcare security for all citizens.
The LG said that the administration is committed to filling doctor shortages in remote areas and is developing mental health infrastructure across districts. More specialist doctors are also being sent to underserved areas.
LG Sinha said that he was visiting Bhaderwah for the first time and recalled how his earlier visit had been postponed due to a tragic accident that claimed local lives.
He said the DDC Chairman’s concerns regarding divyang (specially-abled) citizens were important. A data bank must be created, and mega camps will soon be organized in Jammu and Srinagar to distribute wheelchairs, prosthetics, and hearing aids.
He also said that infrastructure in J&K has improved significantly with Rs 1.5 lakh crore invested in highways, expressways, and tunnels, thanks to the Prime Minister’s vision.
Sinha said whenever peace returns to Doda or any other part of J&K, India’s neighbour becomes restless. Despite that, security forces, police, and administration are committed to eliminating terrorism completely.
He said the people must support security efforts and report anyone supporting such elements. “Without peace, there can be no development,” he reiterated.
LG said the police’s guiding principle is: “Don’t trouble the innocent, but ensure the guilty are punished.” He asked people to cooperate with security agencies to help build a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha further said that tourism is rising and many people are opening homestays. These are welcome steps and should be supported further, he added.