Srinagar, Sept 17: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today expressed heartfelt tributes to the martyrs of the Police, Army, and CAPFs who sacrificed their lives to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of Jammu & Kashmir.
Participating in the launch of the “Hum Sab Ek Hain” initiative by Sarhad Foundation, Pune, alongside Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde, the occasion celebrated the inauguration of the Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir Friendship Chapter, along with an e-learning lab for students in Kupwara, coinciding with the birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Distinguished individuals from various fields were recognized for their selfless contributions to society.
Amidst the historic transformations taking place in various sectors of the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, Lt. Governor Sinha expressed resolve in the face of terrorism. He stated, “frustrated by Jammu & Kashmir’s progress, our neighbouring country, the biggest sponsor of terrorism and a failed state, is resorting to cowardly terror attacks.”
He continued, “we have full faith in the bravery and courage of our Army, Police, and CAPFs. Every drop of blood shed by our soldiers and innocent civilians will be avenged. Terrorists and their sympathizers will have to pay a very heavy price.”
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde, emphasised the strong bond between Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra. He stated, “India is a living embodiment of Unity in Diversity. I assure every support to the people of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir from the Maharashtra Government.” Shinde expressed gratitude to the Lt. Governor for facilitating the establishment of Maharashtra Bhawan in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Lt. Governor praised the Sarhad Foundation’s efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections between Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of India. He emphasized the significance of “Unity in Diversity,” deeply rooted in India’s core values.
“Our ancestors gave the ideals of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family. Prime Minister has realized this timeless wisdom by bringing all powerful nations together and ensuring consensus on all issues concerning the world today,” said Lt. Governor Sinha.
Highlighting the deep connection between Jammu & Kashmir and Maharashtra, he called for the establishment of an egalitarian society and contributions toward realizing the vision of “Viskit Bharat.”
The Lt. Governor also discussed the reforms introduced by the Prime Minister to improve the lives of people across the country and assured the Chief Minister of Maharashtra that the UT government would provide land for establishing Maharashtra Bhawan in Jammu & Kashmir.
A two-minute silence was observed to honour the brave police and army personnel martyred in the Anantnag encounter. Additionally, a souvenir and monogram of the Maharashtra-Jammu Kashmir Friendship chapter were unveiled, and cultural performances celebrating unity in diversity were presented by artists.
Present at the event were Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, KVIB; Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri Sanjay Nahar, Founder of Sarhad; senior officials of Civil and Police Administration, and a large number of attendees.
