Srinagar, Dec 13 (KNO): Reiterating his commitment to deliver justice, jobs and dignity to terror victim families, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday handed over appointment letters to 39 Next of Kins (NoKs) of terror victims from Kashmir Division, at Lok Bhavan here.
LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “For these families, today the long wait for justice has ended. With concrete steps for rehabilitation, we have restored their dignity and faith in the system,”
The LG said that today, 39 families were given appointment letters, while 41 such families were handed over these letters earlier in Jammu. “Nine families affected by the recent Nowgam blast were also provided job letters on Friday evening. More than 200 family members have been provided government jobs this year,” he said.
While highlighting the deep and lasting scars left by terror and violence, LG Sinha said, “Terrorism not only claimed innocent lives but also shattered families, pushing them into decades of silence, stigma and poverty. Behind every brutal killing by terrorists lies a story of a home that never recovered, of children who grew up without parents.”
The Lieutenant Governor expressed concern that for a long time, the pain and trauma of these families were ignored.
He said, “Real victims of terrorism and true martyrs were often hounded by elements within the terror ecosystem. On one hand, Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were appointed to government jobs, while on the other, the Next of Kins of terror victims were left to fend for themselves.”
LG Sinha emphasized that for generations, the system failed these victims by not giving their cases the priority they deserved. “We are now empowering the voices of victims and ensuring that they receive their rightful dues and entitlements. At the same time, we are committed to delivering swift and fair justice to the perpetrators,” he asserted.
Stressing that the fight against terrorism is a collective responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor said society as a whole must unite against this menace. “We must pledge to fight terrorism with determination and patience, and foil the designs of our adversaries,” he said.
Reiterating the administration’s firm stance, LG Sinha declared that Jammu and Kashmir’s policy on terrorism is unequivocal. “There is zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms. Every available resource and means will be used to make J&K terrorism-free. Those who provide sanctuary, safe haven or any kind of support to terrorists will have to pay a very heavy price,” he warned.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that after the abrogation of Article 370, the terror victim families have found new courage and self-confidence, and now they are speaking out against the terror ecosystem without fear.
“For generations, the system had failed these victims by not giving their cases the priority they deserved. We are empowering victim's voices and ensuring they get their dues and rights they deserve. We are also committed for swift and fair justice to perpetrators,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that continuing the fight against terrorism is a task which the society as a whole has to undertake. We must pledge to fight against the scourge with determination, patience and foil the efforts of our adversary, he said.
“For a long time, the system ignored the pain and trauma of these families. Real victims of terrorism and true martyrs were hounded by elements within the terror ecosystem. On one hand the OGWs were appointed in government jobs, on the other, NoKs of terror victims were left to fend for themselves.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, our policy on terrorism is unequivocal- Zero tolerance to terrorism in all its forms. “Every available resource and means will be used to make J&K terrorism-free and those who are giving sanctuary, safe-haven or any other support to terrorists will have to pay a very heavy price,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Recalling his interaction with victims, Sinha said he met several families who lost their loved ones to terrorism and were left to struggle in silence for years. “One of them told me his mother had to beg to raise him after their home was destroyed. Many children grew up without parents, yet no one came forward to help them,” he said.
TERRORISTS’ FUNERALS WERE GLORIFIED, REAL VICTIMS WERE FORGOTTEN
The LG said the administration has also decided that properties belonging to the victims and their families, which were taken away during the years of terrorism, will be returned to the rightful owners. “We are ensuring that no deserving family is left behind. Even cases where FIRs were not filed will be examined and justice delivered,” he said.
LG Sinha described how, for decades, those truly affected by terrorism were ignored while “those linked with the terror ecosystem” took undue advantage. “There was a time when innocent civilians were being killed, but the terror ecosystem was thriving. Those affected by terrorism were left to suffer in silence, while sympathisers of terrorism enjoyed privileges,” he said.
He called it a “painful paradox” that terrorists’ funerals were once glorified, while the real victims were forgotten. “We will not allow this injustice to continue. Those who glorify terrorism today will face strict action,” he said.
The LG said that over the past five years, several government employees with direct or indirect links to terrorism have been terminated, adding that the process of cleansing institutions from the influence of the terror ecosystem will continue. “Each individual responsible for spreading false narratives and aiding terrorism will be identified and punished,” he said.
RIYAZ AHMAD MIR LEFT HOME NEVER TO RETURN
On 03-05-1999, Pakistan backed terrorists killed Riyaz Ahmad Mir son of Mohammad Ismail Mir R/O Monghall, Anantnag.
For his family, the news was not just a piece of official information; it was the shattering of their entire world. Riyaz Ahmad had left home as usual, with ordinary hopes for the day, never to return. The manner of his death – through torture – left the family with a lifelong wound, not only of grief but of unanswered questions and a sense of deep injustice.
The deceased was survived by his wife and a minor daughter, Pakeeza Riyaz. Soon after his death, his wife, unable to cope with the emotional and financial burden, remarried. Little Pakeeza, still too young to understand what had befallen her, was taken in and raised by her grandparents. They tried their best to provide her with love and stability, but the absence of her father cast a long shadow over her childhood.
The family, which had depended entirely on Riyaz Ahmad’s earnings, suddenly found itself in dire financial straits. The old parents, already in the evening of their lives, had to step into the role of both caregivers and breadwinners for a young child, struggling to meet even basic needs. Dreams of a secure future for Pakeeza were replaced by daily worries about survival. After 26 years, the family has received justice and dignity.
FAYAZ AHMAD GANIE SHOT DEAD OUTSIDE HIS HOME
On 04-02-2000, terrorists forcibly entered the home of a modest family at Nussu Badragund, Qazigund, and kidnapped two persons: Dilawar Ganie son of Khazir Ganie and his son, Fayaz Ahmad Ganie son of Dilawar Ganie.
Shortly thereafter, both were mercilessly killed outside their own home. The brutal incident sent shockwaves through the locality, creating a climate of terror and helplessness among the general public.
The two deceased were not just names in a police file – they were a grandfather and father to the applicant, Rozy Jan. In a single day, she lost the two pillars of her life, two generations of support and guidance. The family home, which once echoed with inter-generational warmth, suddenly turned into a place marked by silence, grief, and fear.
This double tragedy was not only an emotional devastation but also a financial catastrophe. Both Dilawar and Fayaz were the primary earning members of the family. Their sudden and violent demise left the household without any source of stable income. The family was pushed into immediate financial crisis, struggling to afford basic necessities and forced to confront an uncertain future without the security that the deceased had worked tirelessly to provide. Fozy has received and sense of closure after 25 years.
ABDUL REHMAN LONE KILLED INSIDE HIS HOME
On 05-05-1999, the brother of the deceased informed Police Station Kokernag that some terrorists had forcibly entered their residential house and killed his brother, namely Abdul Rehman Lone, who was working as an SPO in the J&K Police Department. The crime was carried out inside the family home, turning a place of safety into the scene of an unimaginable tragedy.
Abdul Rehman had joined the Police Department out of a strong sense of duty and a desire to serve the nation. He was known among colleagues and locals as a sincere, disciplined, and courageous officer. On the fateful day, when confronted by the enemies of peace, he resisted bravely, upholding the very oath he had taken, even at the cost of his life. His courage and sacrifice are matters that will be remembered and respected for generations to come.
The deceased was survived by his old aged parents and one brother (Mohammad Asharaf Lone ) . He was the only bread earner of the family. His untimely death plunged the family into deep shock and grief. Beyond the emotional devastation, the financial impact was severe: his younger brother, who had dreams of continuing his education, was compelled to abandon his studies and work as a labourer simply to keep the family afloat.
Thus, the family not only lost a beloved son and brother, but also their sole economic support and their hopes for upward mobility through education. Their suffering is a combination of emotional trauma, financial hardship, and the painful knowledge that their loss came while the deceased was in the line of duty, standing firmly on the side of law and order. Justice and dignity delivered to the families after long wait of 26 years.
SPO IRSHAD AHMAD SOFI’S FAMILY GETS JUSTICE
On 26-09-1999, terrorists entered the residential house of Mohammad Ramzan Sofi and fired upon his son, Irshad Ahmad Sofi, causing injuries to him and his brother, Feroz Ahmad Sofi, as well. Both were immediately shifted to hospital, but despite medical intervention, Irshad Ahmad succumbed to his injuries. The deceased was serving as an SPO in the J&K Police Department.
Irshad had participated in multiple counter-terrorism operations and played an active role in eliminating terrorists from the valley. He was widely regarded as a dedicated and courageous policeman who carried out his duties with exceptional commitment. His colleagues saw in him a true role model, embodying the values of bravery, selflessness, and unwavering service to the nation.
The attack inside his own home was not just an assault on one individual but an attempt to terrorize an entire family and community. For his aged mother, siblings, and wife, the memory of that night remains etched in their minds—the sudden gunfire, the rush to the hospital, and the unbearable moment when they were told he had not survived.
As far as the family strength of the deceased is concerned, he left behind an old age mother, a wife, two brothers, and one sister. Subsequently, his wife remarried after his death. Being the eldest among his siblings, Irshad had been the primary support for the family, guiding and helping them in every possible way to make ends meet. With his passing, the family lost not only its main earner but also its emotional anchor. The family was delivered justice today and his brother was handed over the appointment letter.
SON OF BSF BRAVEHEART GETS A JOB
Ishtiyaq Ahmad, the son of BSF braveheart Altaf Hussain, who was martyred in an encounter with terrorists nearly 19 years ago, also secured a government job, bringing support to a family that has endured great hardship since his father's supreme sacrifice.
SEARCH FOR JUSTICE ENDS AFTER 30 YEARS
Thirty years ago, Abdul Aziz Dar, a resident of Srinagar, was murdered by terrorists. Today marked the end of his family’s prolonged search for justice.
156 FAMILY MEMBERS OF TERROR VICTIMS PROVIDED SELF-EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
According to the officials, 156 family members of terror victims have been provided self-employment opportunities under various schemes, including Mission Yuva, Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) and Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). Furthermore, 17 encroachments have been removed from the properties belonging to terror victim families.
36 terror victim families have been identified for house reconstruction. More families will be identified and included as the process continues. The reconstruction work for the houses of the families whose homes were destroyed due to Pakistani shelling in Uri and Karnah will commence in April.
Others who were present on the occasion included special DG Coordination PHQ, S.J.M. Gillani; Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti; Commissioner Secretary, GAD M Raju; Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor, Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg; IGP Kashmir, VK Birdi; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, Wajahat Farooq Bhat and other members of the Foundation, senior officials, members of various social organisations and family members of victims of terrorism—(KNO)