Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reaffirmed that law and order in Jammu and Kashmir will remain under the LG Administration, emphasizing that security forces will have complete freedom to respond to threats against the unity and integrity of the nation.
In an interview with a national news channel, Sinha said, “There will be no compromise on the security situation. Our security forces will deliver a befitting response to anyone who challenges the unity and integrity of the country.”
Referring to the recently concluded Assembly elections, Sinha highlighted the stark contrast between these elections and the previous ones held in 2014, where 29 people lost their lives amidst large-scale violence. “This time, the elections were free of fear and violence. Political parties and candidates were able to campaign even in the late hours in villages, which reflects the peaceful environment during the polls,” he said.
Sinha expressed pride in the significant voter turnout across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in areas like Sopore, Baramulla, Shopian, and Pulwama, where long queues of voters celebrated the “festival of democracy.” The overall voter turnout was over 63%, which he credited to the trust people have placed in Indian democracy.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir, including those in the Valley, have sent a strong message, not just to the rest of the country but to the world, that they are ready to strengthen democracy,” the Lieutenant Governor said, while adding that the neighboring country, Pakistan, has also received a clear message through this peaceful democratic exercise.
Sinha credited the successful elections to the efforts of the Election Commission, the UT administration, and most importantly, the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that history will record these elections as being conducted under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in a manner that was truly free and fair.
When questioned about Pakistan’s Defence Minister supporting the Congress party’s stance on Article 370, Sinha responded by pointing out that the removal of Article 370 was a decision made by the Indian Parliament and later upheld by the Supreme Court of India.
Sinha also touched upon the historic participation of West Pakistan refugees, Gorkhas, and the Valmiki Samaj in the Assembly elections for the first time in 77 years.
On the subject of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Sinha remarked that residents there face dire conditions, lacking basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and education. “If they were part of India, they would have benefited from the same facilities that the people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoy,” he concluded.
