Justice now finally delivered, terror victims must claim their rights; June 29 ‘historic’ for breaking silence on terror victims’ pain
Media, public must help amplify stories of victims’ families; Justice includes jobs, financial aid, property restoration, other support
Baramulla, Jul 13 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that a dangerous narrative had been deliberately pushed by anti-national elements portraying Pakistan-based terrorists as victims while common Kashmiris, who were brutally killed by these very groups, were silenced and forgotten.
Speaking in Baramulla, the LG, as per the news agency — Kashmir News Observer (KNO), asserted that for decades, certain vested interests glorified terror and vilified Indian forces, running their propaganda not just in Jammu and Kashmir but across the world, while the real victims — innocent civilians and their families were left to suffer in isolation and fear.
He said that Jammu and Kashmir is entering a new era of justice and dignity for the families of terrorism victims, who for decades were ignored, threatened, and denied basic rights.
“I need not tell who killed innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir, everyone knows the truth. Unfortunately, the killers got government jobs while the victims were left to beg for survival,” LG Sinha said, expressing regret that action was delayed despite the registration of many such cases.
“It is unfortunate, even on my part, that I couldn't get to it earlier,” he admitted candidly.
The LG recalled meeting several such families around six to seven months ago at Raj Bhawan. “I deeply felt their pain, and it stayed with me. Then, on June 29, when I was on my way to Pahalgam to review Amarnath Yatra arrangements, I met more victim families in Anantnag. One girl told me her father, an SPO, had been killed and her mother had to beg for her education, while the killers enjoyed government jobs. That hit me hard.”
Moved by this, LG Sinha took the matter to the top government officers. “We decided then and there, these victims have a right, not a favour, to government support,” he said. A dedicated helpline was launched on the same day, and people were urged to register. “I had promised this would be done in 30 days. We did it in just 14,” he said, calling it a significant milestone.
The Lieutenant Governor laid out a structured, four-fold approach to deliver justice:
Jobs for NoKs: Government jobs will be provided to all eligible members of families affected by terrorism after proper verification. Financial Assistance: Those who have received no assistance so far will be supported after due scrutiny by nodal agencies. Support for Larger Families: Families with one government job but multiple dependents will be brought under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana — with loans up to Rs 20 lakh available without guarantors for self-employment and Unregistered FIRs and Property Restoration: FIRs that were never registered will now be filed, and seized properties will be investigated and restored to the rightful families.
He added, “We don’t want a careless approach. Every single family will be verified and given what they deserve.”
LG Sinha highlighted the stories of long-suffering families like that of Wali Mohammad Lone from Fathegrah, Baramulla. His son was killed by Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in 1992, and years later, more family members were abducted and remain missing. “That family lived under fear and silence. Now, decades later, they have spoken up and justice has finally reached them,” Sinha said.
He also mentioned the case of Raja Begum from Kupwara, whose husband and children were murdered in 1999 by terrorists for refusing shelter. “They waited 26 years. Now, they won’t suffer anymore. I can’t express her pain, but I assure them: they are not alone.”
Meanwhile, the LG issued a scathing attack on what he called a false narrative run by “anti-national elements,” who portrayed Pakistan-based terrorists as victims while vilifying Indian security forces.
“A dangerous campaign was being run globally to show the Army and Police in a bad light. But the truth is, it was common Kashmiris who were killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. And people were even afraid to attend their funerals,” he said.
He condemned those who promoted terror groups like TRF and Lashkar-e-Taiba, warning: “The Constitution gives you freedom of speech, but not the freedom to run narratives of Pakistan’s terror syndicates. Those speaking their language will face legal consequences under stringent laws.”
Calling June 29 a historic date, LG Sinha said it marked the beginning of a new chapter where the real victims were heard and acknowledged. He appealed to people across J&K and to media professionals to help bring forward the stories of pain and injustice faced by these families.
“The era where supporters of terrorists got jobs and victims were ignored is over. From now on, every terror victim’s family will get justice,” he said.
Over 193 grievances were registered in Kashmir and 61 in Jammu on the newly launched grievance cell in just a few days. “These include cases where FIRs weren’t filed, financial aid was denied, and even properties were taken or destroyed by terrorists. We are taking up even the unregistered and previously rejected cases,” he added, citing examples like FIR No. 237/1989 (Shaheed Gunj) and FIR No. 22/1998 (Ganderbal) under review.
LG Sinha, in a heartfelt appeal to victims' families, said, “You are not just families of victims, you are our family. I urge you to go to your District Deputy Commissioners, claim your rights and begin a new chapter. We are here to wipe your tears and give you new hope.”
He assured that eligible people will receive government jobs and full justice. “This is not just an announcement; it’s a commitment.” —(KNO)