Srinagar, Nov 5: Sending a tough message to terrorists, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday warned that the houses of those aiding and sheltering them would be razed.
“I have directed the forces not to harm any innocent but the culprits will not be spared. If anyone provides shelter to terrorists, then his house will be razed to the ground. There will be no compromise on it,” the LG said at a function in Baramulla district.
He said some people make statements that atrocities are being committed on those providing shelter to terrorists. “However, this is not an atrocity, but a demand for justice, and such justice will continue,” he added.
Lieutenant Governor said the terrorists targeting our people will be brought to justice. “We will not spare terrorists and those aiding and abetting them in targeting our people. We will bring them to justice. People must stand up against the perpetrators of terror. Security forces, administration, and people should work together to wipe out terrorism,” he said.
Sinha said some people are trying to disrupt the peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Our neighbor is trying, but it does not worry us. It is the people here who are doing it in its direction (that is a cause of concern). It is not just the job of the security forces and the administration but the people as well to identify such people,” he said.
LG said if the forces, the administration, and the people come together, then “it (terrorism) will not remain here for more than a year”.
Asking the people of Jammu and Kashmir to stand up against terror, Sinha asked the gathering whether anyone has the right to kill those who work to improve connectivity in the region. He was referring to the October 20 killings of a local doctor and six non-local laborers by terrorists at a tunnel construction site in the Gagangir area of the Ganderbal district.
“If people do not stand up against such elements, this scenario will never change. I think those who only issue statements for formality are worse than them (terrorists),” the LG said.
Lieutenant Governor reiterated the commitment of the government to empower the youth of J&K and provide them with necessary opportunities and facilities to unlock their potential for a better tomorrow. He assured the talented youth that their empowerment is amongst the foremost priorities of the government.
“Our youth as a fearless force of creativity and torch-bearers of positive change is building a bright and vibrant J&K. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts have been made to fulfill the hopes, aspirations, and dreams of the youth of Jammu Kashmir,” the Lt Governor said.
Emphasizing the significant role of the younger generation in nation-building, the Lt Governor called upon the youth to work with team spirit while following the ideals and values of the founding fathers of the country for peace and progress of J&K.
“The combined power of the youth ignited by desire and determination to carve a new destiny for the society will be the most powerful strength in the journey of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and a joyous, peaceful, prosperous Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Sharing key reforms and initiatives of the Government in the past few years, the Lt Governor highlighted the need to channel the energy of the youth towards achieving the common goal of development and peace.
When the energy of the youth and their dynamic actions are channeled for development, cultural, and social activities, then they not only work towards realizing the true potential of the region but also their consciousness, creativity, innovation, and courage impact various developmental sectors, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor also urged the youth to carry the message of Peace and contribute to counter-radicalization and prevention of drug addiction.
Among the many challenges facing our youth is the challenge of drug addiction. Drug-free J&K is a step to ensure our youth realize their true potential and with hard work shape their tomorrow, he said.
The Lt Governor commended the Save Youth Save Future foundation for working tirelessly for Youth empowerment. “I am confident the young generation will fulfill the dream of modern J&K and help the society to achieve developmental aspirations,” he said.
During the interactive session, the Young Panelists from diverse backgrounds shared their views on the present scenario and transformational journey of Jammu Kashmir.
Responding to the issues and demands put forth by the youth, civil society members, and various sections of society, the Lt Governor assured that appropriate action would be taken to redress the genuine issue projected by them during the interaction.
He further called upon the people to identify and isolate anti-national elements and those disrupting the peace.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor felicitated the young achievers, social workers, and prominent citizens for their contribution to society.
Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Maqsood-Ul-Zaman, DIG NKR Baramulla; Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla; Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, prominent citizens, members of Save Youth Save Future Foundation and youth in large number were present.
