Jammu, Nov 14 (KNO): Asserting that the end of the terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is within reach if its ecosystem is fully choked, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday urged the people to come forward and intensify the collective fight against the menace.
Speaking at the valedictory function of first phase of celebrations marking the 150th year of the national song 'Vande Mataram' at MA Stadium here, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “I am of the firm belief that when terrorists and their sympathizers stop getting oxygen, that will be the last nail in their coffin— and that day is not far.”
“My fervent appeal to all is to come forward and put in an effort to make J&K completely terror-free,” he added.
LG Sinha said, “Pakistan-sponsored terrorists and elements linked to the terror ecosystem have inflicted immense damage on Jammu and Kashmir over the last three decades. They killed innocents, spilled the blood of our people. The common man will have to stand up against such elements so that they are eliminated from the system.”
Expressing concern over continued attempts to mislead the youth, the LG said a handful of individuals are still trying to radicalise youngsters. “It is important to identify such elements and isolate them. Citizens have to play an active role in safeguarding peace and strengthening J&K’s transformative journey,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said: “The going has never been as good for Jammu Kashmir in the past as it has been since 2019. Region’s economy has grown at an impressive pace since 2021 and rapid growth in infrastructure since 2019 is unprecedented in J&K’s history.”
“Our effort for industrialization is showing impressive growth. We have taken bold decisions taking Jammu Kashmir into a brighter future and ensuring far greater prosperity for our people,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He congratulated the people for their historic participation in the 150th year celebration of 'Vande Mataram'. “I am proud to announce that Jammu Kashmir has secured 1st rank nationally in the overall participation in week-long celebrations marking 150th year of national song. Today, more than 20,000 students and citizens participated in showing a strong indication of national pride,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
LG Sinha paid homage to Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and highlighted his contribution in the freedom struggle and inspiring the society.
“Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay had strengthened the bond between Maa Bharti and her sons and inspired people to secure independence,” LG Sinha said, adding, “Every Indian heart has an inner song and that is Vande Mataram. During the freedom struggle when Vande Mataram was sung by someone, other hearts were humming it back. Thus, a strong bond was created which should inspire the young generation today to serve Maa Bharti,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He observed that every section of the society should spread the ideas and ideals of Bankim Chandra which shaped our freedom struggle and use its spirit to take the UT of Jammu Kashmir forward into the future. “We must show the courage, wisdom and strong conviction that Bankim Chandra would have expected of us in building a peaceful and prosperous J&K UT,” he said.
He called upon every citizen to dedicate themselves to nation-building, shedding the vestiges of colonial past and embrace the spirit of brotherhood and equality.
“The overwhelming participation of citizens in programmes like 'Har Ghar Tiranga' and 'Vande Mataram' in Jammu Kashmir is a sign that the UT is shedding its past and moving towards a bright future, however, this transformation is causing great pain to some people.
Er. Gulam Ali Khatana and Sat Sharma, Members of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, District Development Council Jammu; Members of Legislative Assembly; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Administrative secretaries; senior officials, prominent citizens, students, and people from different walks of life attended the valedictory function.
Pertinently, the valedictory function of the first phase of celebrations witnessed a massive gathering with more than 20,000 students and citizens participating in the mass singing of 'Vande Mataram' on the occasion. The second phase will start from 9th January 2026. The celebration was organised by the Department of Culture—(KNO)