Srinagar, August 5 – In a historic step towards healing the decades-long suffering of terror victim families in Jammu & Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday handed over appointment letters to 158 Next of Kin (NoKs) of civilians killed in Pakistan-sponsored terrorist violence.
The event, held in Srinagar, marked what the LG called a "landmark moment of closure" for families who have silently borne the trauma of irreparable loss.
> “The wounds of terrorism are deep, but today, we have taken a significant step towards healing. These families have lived with invisible scars for years. Their pain has not faded with time, but today, justice has begun,” said the Lieutenant Governor.
LG Pays Tribute to Civilian Martyrs
Paying emotional tribute to the civilian martyrs of terrorism, LG Sinha said, “I salute the courage, patience, and perseverance of these families. Their long wait for justice is finally over.”
He promised continued support for their rehabilitation and reiterated that "those responsible for these heinous crimes, and their sympathisers, will face the harshest punishment."
> “It is my solemn assurance that I will not rest until every single family affected by terrorism in J&K receives justice,” he declared.
Testimonies of Justice After Decades
Several family stories underscored the tragedy and belated justice:
Abdul Majid Mir, kidnapped and killed in Baramulla in 2004, was the sole breadwinner of his family. His son Mudasir Majid received a government job after two decades of struggle.
Suhail Majeed, son of Abdul Majeed Wani, who was killed in 1994, finally received an appointment letter after 31 years.
Khurshid Ahmad Rather, son of SPO Manzoor Ahmad Rather (killed in 2000), waited 25 years for recognition and justice.
Parvez Ahmad Dar, whose father and brother were both killed by terrorists in 1996 and 2004 respectively, finally saw hope restored after 29 painful years.
> “No compensation or job can ever fill the void these families carry, but dignity and justice must prevail,” the LG affirmed.
A New Jammu Kashmir: Terror-Free and Just
Linking the initiative with the broader transformation since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, LG Sinha said that dismantling of the “terror ecosystem” has begun and is irreversible.
> “Earlier, jobs went to those aligned with the terror networks. Today, we are honouring real martyrs – the innocent civilians whose lives were cut short by terrorism,” he noted.
He asserted that the new Jammu Kashmir is one that embraces common Kashmiris, not separatists; one where children hold pens, not stones.
> “The terrorist elements embedded in the system are being weeded out. The new J&K ensures opportunity, equality, and security for all,” he said.
Zero Tolerance for Terrorism
LG Sinha also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in drawing a “new red line” against terrorism:
> “India has made it clear – if terror is a state policy, it will face a decisive and visible response. Terrorists and their sponsors will not be spared.”
He urged every citizen to take a pledge never to let terrorism rise again in J&K.
> “There is no place for terrorism in a civilized society. Peace is the foundation of progress. We must collectively rise against this menace,” he said.
Support Systems Strengthened
The J&K administration has developed a dedicated online portal to fast-track compassionate appointments and assistance to terror victim families. Helplines at district and divisional levels have also been activated to streamline outreach.
Following similar events in Baramulla (July 13) and Jammu (July 28), Monday’s ceremony marked another milestone in delivering justice and dignity to the families of terror victims. Remaining appointment letters will be handed over at the respective district headquarters in the coming days.
Dignitaries Present
The ceremony was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Atal Dulloo, DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat, senior Home Department and GAD officials, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner and SSP Srinagar, among others.
