Srinagar, Jan 24: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that terrorists targeting innocent people will be brought to justice and warned the perpetrators and those aiding and sheltering terrorists.
“I have directed the forces not to harm any innocent, but the culprits will not be spared. If anyone provides shelter to terrorists, their house will be razed to the ground. There will be no compromise on this,” Lt. Governor Sinha said during the Foundation Day celebrations of Uttar Pradesh in Jammu.
The Lt. Governor emphasised that for the past four years, his directive to security forces has been clear: anyone found sheltering terrorists will face severe action, including the demolition of their property. However, he reassured that no harm would come to innocent civilians in the process.
“We will not spare terrorists or those who aid them in targeting our people. We will bring them to justice. People must stand up against the perpetrators of terror. The security forces, administration, and citizens must work together to wipe out terrorism,” he said.
Sinha also recalled the immense human cost of violence in the region, with around 40,000 to 50,000 innocent lives lost and countless families displaced. “Hundreds of our mothers and sisters have lost their homes in this violence. Those working on our vital infrastructure, like the Z-Morh Tunnel, were killed by terrorists in Gagangir Tunnel. Does anyone have the right to kill another?” he questioned.
The Lieutenant Governor made it clear that no leniency would be shown to terrorists or their supporters. “I have given clear directions to the security forces: innocents should not be harmed, and those indulging in terror activities should not be spared,” he said. He also stressed that if the security forces, the Union Territory administration, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir join forces, terrorism could be eradicated from the region within a year.
Further addressing criticism of the actions against those sheltering terrorists, LG Sinha stated, “Some people claim that atrocities are being committed on those who shelter terrorists. It is not an atrocity, but a demand for justice, and this justice will continue.”
The Lieutenant Governor also reiterated the government’s commitment to a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. “A drug-free J&K is a step towards ensuring that our youth realize their true potential and shape their future with hard work,” he said.
Sinha assured the youth of Jammu and Kashmir that their empowerment remains a top priority for the government. “Our youth are fearless forces of creativity and positive change. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are being made to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir,” he stated.
He urged the youth to work with a sense of team spirit, following the ideals of the country’s founding fathers for the peace and progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor also expressed concern over those attempting to disrupt peace in the region, including external influences. “Some people are still trying to disturb the peace here, and our neighbour is also involved in this. But we are not worried. However, it is not just the job of the police and security forces to stop this. People must come forward and help identify these elements,” he said.
He called on the public to take a firm stand against terrorism. “If we don’t take a stand, nothing will change. Those making empty statements are worse than those who commit the crimes,” he warned.
Earlier, LG Sinha extended his heartfelt greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh, paying tribute to the freedom fighters and revolutionaries from the state. “Uttar Pradesh is a land of cultural heritage, patriotism, and innovation, guiding our society since time immemorial,” he said, adding, “It is the land of pilgrimage, knowledge, literature, and sacred rivers, and I pray for its continued progress.”
He said the blessed land of great revolutionaries like Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Mangal Pandey, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Begum Hazrat Mahal, is a confluence of cultural heritage, patriotism and innovation which is guiding the society since time immemorial.
