Article 370 Abrogation Marked Turning Point; J&K Emerged as Model of Peace, Development and Good Governance: LG Sinha
Srinagar, October 31: ANB: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that the abrogation of Article 370 marked a historic turning point in Jammu and Kashmir, ushering in an era of peace, development, democratic participation and equal opportunities. He described Jammu and Kashmir as an emerging model of peace, development and good governance.
Extending greetings and best wishes to the people on the occasion of the 8th Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day, the Lieutenant Governor also paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, recalling his invaluable contribution to national unity and integration.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha acknowledged the contributions of farmers, teachers, scholars, writers, artists, artisans, traders, workers, security personnel, youth and women towards building a prosperous and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the Foundation Day carried special significance as it coincided with the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, whose vision of national unity continues to inspire the country.
“Today is not merely a date; it is a milestone that changed the direction of history and strengthened the spirit of national integration, equality and inclusive development,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting the changes witnessed since 2019, Sinha said the abrogation of Article 370 had opened new avenues for ordinary citizens, enabling them to exercise rights and access opportunities that, according to him, had remained denied for decades.
“Article 370 abrogation gave ordinary citizens freedom from fear and access to rights denied for decades. Jammu Kashmir has emerged as a model of peace, development and good governance,” he said.
He observed that the strengthening of grassroots democratic institutions and the successful conduct of Assembly elections had enhanced public participation, accountability and democratic engagement across the Union Territory.
Emphasising the security transformation, the Lieutenant Governor said that terrorism, separatism and stone-pelting had increasingly given way to democracy, development and public participation.
“We did not buy peace, we established peace. Our zero-tolerance policy crippled terror networks and restored normal life across Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Claiming significant improvements in the security situation, Sinha stated that more than 780 terrorists had been eliminated since 2020, local terrorist recruitment had ended and stone-pelting incidents had been eradicated.
“Now Jammu Kashmir is witnessing a historic security transformation,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also underscored the administration's continued action against narco-terrorism, stating that thousands of drug smugglers and peddlers had been arrested during 2026. He added that properties and other illicit assets linked to drug trafficking had been attached, while mansions allegedly financed through drug money had been demolished.
Referring to those who allegedly benefited from separatism and terrorism, Sinha said that the activities of such elements had been exposed, asserting that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had chosen the path of peace, progress and national integration.
He maintained that lasting unity could only be strengthened through justice, accountability and public trust.
“Public trust must be won not merely by promises, but by deeds. Justice and accountability are the strongest foundations of unity,” he observed.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the benefits of development must reach every section of society, particularly those who had remained deprived of opportunities for decades. He said the real measure of transformation would be reflected in improvements in the lives of people across villages, communities and households.
Highlighting the aspirations of the younger generation, Sinha said that children and youth were increasingly growing up in an environment centred on education, opportunities and progress, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
He said peace and stability were essential prerequisites for sustainable economic growth and social development, benefiting farmers, entrepreneurs, traders, students and workers alike.
Outlining the priorities for the coming years, the Lieutenant Governor identified employment generation, youth empowerment, agriculture and allied sectors, healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, tourism, women's empowerment and transparent governance as key areas requiring sustained attention.
He stressed the need to equip young people with skills aligned with the changing global economy and encouraged them to explore entrepreneurship, innovation and sports. He also called for modernisation of agriculture through advanced technologies, climate-resilient practices and value addition.
Emphasising the importance of accessible healthcare, Sinha said that quality health services were fundamental to building a healthy and prosperous society and that no citizen should be left behind in the development process.
He also called upon people to uphold communal harmony, respect diversity and actively participate in the region's development. The safe and dignified return of displaced communities, he said, required collective commitment and sustained efforts to rebuild social trust.
Sharing his vision for Jammu and Kashmir by 2047, the Lieutenant Governor said he aspired to see the Union Territory emerge as a model of prosperity, supported by a modern economy, world-class healthcare facilities, quality education and a vibrant cultural heritage.
“My dream is that by 2047, Jammu Kashmir should emerge as a model of prosperity with a modern economy, world-class healthcare, excellent education and a vibrant cultural heritage,” he said.
Calling for collective efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous future, Sinha said, “Let us build a Jammu Kashmir where there is trust instead of fear, opportunity instead of scarcity, justice instead of injustice, and where every young person and every woman finds wings for their dreams.”
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Unity Pledge and flagged off the 'Run for Unity' as part of the celebrations marking Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
A documentary film produced by the Information Department, highlighting Jammu and Kashmir's transformational journey, was also screened on the occasion.
Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department, Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Govind Jaiswal, IGP Kashmir Sujit Singh, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, senior officers of the Police, Security Forces and Civil Administration, prominent citizens, heads of educational institutions, civil society representatives and a large number of youth attended the Foundation Day Ceremony. ANB
