Jammu, July 28: In a significant move towards delivering long-overdue justice to victims of terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday handed over appointment letters to 80 next of kin (NoKs) of civilians killed in terror-related incidents across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The beneficiaries hail from Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi—districts that have long borne the brunt of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The event follows a similar initiative in Baramulla earlier this month, where 40 victim families were provided government jobs.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor paid homage to civilian martyrs and acknowledged the unimaginable pain endured by thousands of families over the decades.
“Common citizens of J&K endured unspeakable trauma caused by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and a deeply entrenched terror ecosystem. Victim families were silenced through threats and their pain was ignored to protect perpetrators and their sympathizers,” said LG Sinha.
He assured that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the administration is resolutely committed to eradicating terrorism and holding those who aid and abet terror accountable.
“Justice Has Come Knocking”
Narrating heartbreaking stories from the region’s troubled past, the LG recalled incidents such as the July 21, 2001 martyrdom of Tara Devi of Cherji village, Kishtwar, who died protecting her son; the April 1998 killing of Gyan Devi and her infant son by terrorists in Balgran; and the 2005 martyrdom of Village Defence Committee member Ashfaq Ahmed in Doda.
“For decades, these families remained statistics. Their tears were unwiped, their pain unheard. Today, justice has finally come knocking at their doors,” the LG said.
He described the occasion as a turning point—“the beginning of a new era of justice in Jammu and Kashmir”—where Dharma would inevitably triumph over Adharma.
Institutional Mechanisms for Support
The Lieutenant Governor also announced several administrative measures to ensure systematic support to terror victim families. These include:
A dedicated internal web portal to maintain a centralized database of victim families and ensure timely relief.
Operational helplines in every district, as well as at the divisional level, for grievance redressal.
Scrutiny and processing of fresh applications by Deputy Commissioners across J&K.
Upcoming distribution of appointment letters and assistance to more families in Srinagar on August 5.
The government is also working to integrate a mechanism for providing self-employment assistance through the new portal.
Condemnation of July 24 Incident
Addressing the recent July 24 incident in Jammu, the LG reaffirmed the administration’s zero-tolerance policy. “Don’t touch the innocent and don’t spare the guilty. Police have taken swift action, an SIT has been formed, and a magisterial probe is underway. Two officials have been suspended, and further action will follow based on the inquiry report,” he stated.
Saluting Security Forces
The Lieutenant Governor also congratulated the security forces and J&K Police for their success in recent counter-terror operations, including the elimination of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Srinagar.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary (Home) Chandrakar Bharti, Commissioner Secretary (GAD) M Raju, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti, Deputy Commissioners, and senior police and civil officials. Family members of terror victims, Hon’ble Chairpersons of District Development Councils, and representatives of civil society organizations were also present.
