Srinagar, July 16: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reaffirmed that full statehood forJammu and Kashmir would be restored at the appropriate time, citing parliamentary assurances and recent reiterations by Prime Minister Modi.
“The region has undergone an “unprecedented transformation” since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019,” he said.
In an exclusive conversation with Outlook, LG Sinha reiterated the central government’s promise of restoring statehood, emphasising that “it will be fulfilled at the appropriate time.” Sinha stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had laid out a clear roadmap in Parliament: first delimitation, then assembly elections, and finally, statehood.
“This was stated during the debates in LokSabha and RajyaSabha. The Home Minister clearly said statehood will be given at the appropriate time. Even the Prime Minister repeated this in Srinagar,” said Sinha, adding, “There is a commitment, and the government will stand by it. We need to wait a little.”
Reflecting on his five-year tenure, he took charge in August 2020, a year after the abrogation of Article 370, Sinha described the journey as one of “massive transformation and difficult yet rewarding challenges.”
Under Prime Minister NarendraModi’s leadership,Sinha said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed sweeping changes across governance, infrastructure, security, and economic development.
“Whatever sector you talk about—transparency, accountability, infrastructure, agriculture, or tourism—there has been unprecedented growth,” he asserted.
Sinha pointed out that J&K’s economy has nearly doubledin the last five years. J&K Bank, once posting losses of ₹1,200-1,300 crore, now reports profits of ₹1,700 crore.
The new Industrial Development Scheme has brought ₹10,000–12,000 crore in realized private investment, with another ₹28,000–30,000 crore in the pipeline.
1,140+ public services are now available online, and land records have been fully digitized.
In agriculture, a Holistic Agriculture Development Plan was launched in 2022 to double sectoral GDP contribution in five years. “29 projects under this plan are already showing results,” Sinha said.
Under central schemes, Jammu and Kashmir has seen the establishment of IIT, IIM, AIIMS, NIFT, andseven new medical colleges. Electricity generation is also poised to leap from 3,450MW to over 6,500 MW once the new sanctioned projects become operational.
A defining achievement, Sinha says, is the security turnaround. With no shutdowns or stone-peltingnow seen in the region, the LG noted thatlocal recruitment to terrorism has dropped dramatically—from around 150 per year earlier tojust one in 2025.
“This year, only one local has joined terror ranks. Last year, it was just six or seven. This is proof of restored public trust and the success of the peace strategy.”
Speaking on Operation Sindoor, launched after a terror attack in Pahalgam, Sinha affirmed that the operation is still ongoing.
“Our forces proved their capability in three days. Terror camps were destroyed, and Pakistan got the message that everything is within our reach. We’ve responded with strength and clarity,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s position: “Terror and talks can’t go hand in hand. Terror and trade can’t coexist. Water and terrorism can’t flow together.”
A new initiative to aid victims of terrorism since the 1990s is underway. “Appointment letters for 40 people were distributed in Baramulla. Financial aid and FIR investigations for others are progressing,” he said. Victims will also receive support for self-employment under schemes like Mudra Yojana.
With the new Assembly now in place, questions about power balance between the elected Chief Minister and the LG have resurfaced. Sinha responded:
“The State Reorganization Act clearly defines powers. If confusion arises, we correspond and resolve it. I know my limits and will never cross them.”
He confirmed he meets with the Chief Minister frequently and has “cordial relations.”
Reacting to concerns raised by Mehbooba Mufti about government employees dismissed under Article 311 for alleged terror links, Sinha clarified:
“Only those with strong evidence and records have been acted upon. Many are already in jail. No innocent person has been targeted—religion is not a factor.”
While his five-year term as LG ends this August, Sinha said he is satisfied with the progress made:“The authority of the Indian state is now firmly established here. J&K has been fully integrated. There is still a lot to be done, but I’ve served with full honesty and effort.”
On the issue of census and future delimitation, he said, “Once the national process begins, the picture will be clearer. Then we can revisit this topic.”
For now, the focus remains on consolidating peace, deepening democracy, and ensuring thatthenew Kashmir—free of shutdowns, full of opportunity—continues to thrive.
