People of Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated united resolve against Pak-sponsored terrorism: LG Manoj Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha termed India's and in extension Jammu and Kashmir's response to Pahalgam attack as instrumental in leading the fight against terrorism. He said perhaps for the first time in five decades the people of the Union Territory has stood up unitedly against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

Speaking to Brajesh Kumar Singh, Group Editor-Convergence, Network-18, Sinha agreed that the barbaric attack on April 22 had created fear in the minds of people, but the attack also opened a new dimension-- a collective resolve from the residents to denounce Islamabad-sponsored terrorism. He added that whenever people rise in an united manner against terrorism, events from the world show us that terrorism ends up in the losing side.

Responding to a question on the Jammu and Kashmir's resolve to restart tourist activities post April 22, he said the parks at tourist places, which were closed in view of security considerations after the April 22 Pahalgam attack, are being reopened in a phased manner to allow tourists to visit the destinations.

"Some places were closed after April 22 (attack) in view of security considerations. The divisional commissioners and IGPs of Kashmir and Jammu have taken reports from every district and it has been decided to reopen some destinations in a phased manner," Sinha said. Sinha said the destinations that have been decided to be reopened for tourists in the first phase include Beetab Valley and parks near Pahalgam market in the famous tourist destination of Pahalgam, Verinag, Kokernag and Achabal gardens in Anantnag district.

He also said that terrorism is taking its “last breath" in the Union Territory, which is at the cusp of becoming a “terror-free region", following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. “Terrorism is taking its last breath. The way people came out in large numbers against the Pahalgam incident shows the end is near," LG Sinha said.

The attack, which took place in the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam, broke a long-standing belief that terrorists would not target such destinations. “There was always this belief that terrorists never attacked tourist spots in the Valley. That myth was shattered on April 22," Sinha said. Despite the shock, Sinha described the aftermath as a moment of unity and resilience for the people of the region.

Why Pak-based groups targeted Jammu and Kashmir

According to Sinha, the Pahalgam attack had three main objectives: to create fear, disturb communal harmony, and provoke a nationwide backlash against Kashmiris. “But the way the Government of India handled it, the terrorists failed in their design. Pakistan cannot digest the prosperity and integration of Kashmir," he said.

In response to the attack, the administration has taken swift action to strengthen security at tourist locations. “We decided to create a foolproof security infrastructure at all tourist destinations. We will soon hold a security review meeting. The places that were earlier closed will be reopened," the LG said.

LG on talks with Pakistan

On demands for dialogue with Pakistan, the LG was unequivocal.

“These decisions are taken by the Government of India. When the PM has clearly stated that terror and talks, terror and water cannot go together, we must ignore those giving sermons about talking to Pakistan," he said. “The government’s policy under Prime Minister Modi is very clear — there will be no compromise on terror."

The LG noted that the ground situation in the Valley has transformed. "There are no strikes. No stone pelting. Nightlife is back. Cinemas have reopened. And in 2025, only one local youth has been recruited by terror outfits," he said.

“We will not buy peace. We will destroy the terror ecosystem. "Highlighting the region’s economic growth, Sinha said tourism has become a powerful engine of prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. “The economy of J&K has doubled. Over 5,000 new hotels have opened in five years. People who had one hotel now have two. This progress — Pakistan cannot tolerate," he remarked.

On statehood: “The sequence is clear"

On the issue of restoring statehood, Sinha pointed to the roadmap already laid out by the Union Government. “On August 5, 2019, the Home Minister said: first delimitation, then elections, and then restoration of statehood at the appropriate time. Delimitation and elections have happened. Statehood, too, will be restored — at the time the Government of India decides."

Clarifying the administrative structure, the LG said: “Law and order and policy matters lie with me. Everything else is with the elected government. I don’t hold anything back. Anything that benefits the public — I give my assent to it."