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Srinagar, July 8, 2025 – Since assuming the role of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2020, Manoj Sinha has spearheaded a transformative era, steering the Union Territory toward peace, prosperity, and unity. His disciplined, empathetic, and people-centric leadership has redefined governance in a region once marred by conflict, fostering a new narrative of hope, development, and communal harmony.
Restoring Peace and Stability
Under LG Sinha’s leadership, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant decline in militancy and disruptive activities like hartals, restoring a sense of normalcy and patriotism. His administration’s decisive approach has prioritised security, with enhanced measures such as AI-based surveillance ensuring a safe environment for residents and tourists alike. Sinha has emphasised the importance of unity to counter external threats, particularly from Pakistan, which he accuses of attempting to derail the region’s progress. Speaking at an event in Anantnag, he stated, “Pakistan wants to destroy the five-year-long development of Jammu and Kashmir. We must not allow its nefarious designs to succeed.”
Economic and Infrastructure Development
The past five years have seen unprecedented growth in infrastructure and economic opportunities. LG Sinha has overseen projects worth over ₹1.15 lakh crore, including new roads, bridges, and the ambitious Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari railway link, set for completion in 2025. His administration has also modernised over 1,000 schools and established new medical colleges in Anantnag and Baramulla, strengthening education and healthcare systems.
Tourism, a cornerstone of J&K’s economy, has experienced a remarkable revival. The launch of Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir, a coffee table book by photojournalist Ashish Sharma, highlighted the region’s potential to attract 2.5 crore tourists by 2030. Sinha’s focus on spiritual, film, and adventure tourism has revitalised the sector, drawing visitors from across India and abroad.
Agriculture, another key focus, is undergoing a transformation with J&K poised to lead India’s agri-revolution. At the 6th Convocation Ceremony of SKUAST Kashmir, Sinha underscored the government’s commitment to making the region a horticultural hub under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat. Modern research centres focusing on AI, gene editing, and regenerative medicine are positioning J&K as a knowledge economy.
Fostering Communal Harmony and Social Justice
LG Sinha’s leadership is rooted in inclusivity and empathy, reflecting the true spirit of Kashmiriyat. His participation in the 10th Muharram procession in Srinagar, where he distributed refreshments and offered a chaddar, symbolised communal harmony and coexistence. His decision to allow Muharram processions after a 35-year hiatus has been widely praised.
Sinha has also prioritised justice for victims of terrorism. In a high-level meeting, he ordered the reopening of deliberately buried terror cases to file FIRs and directed officials to provide government jobs to the next of kin of victims. He has further ensured that properties seized by terrorists or their sympathisers are returned to affected families.
Empowering Youth and Women
Youth empowerment and gender equality are central to Sinha’s vision. His initiatives target even the remotest villages, with schemes promoting entrepreneurship and education. At SKUAST Kashmir’s convocation, he lauded women’s contributions, noting, “Our daughters are leading the way,” as the university introduced infrastructure like a new girls’ hostel.
Challenges and Political Dynamics
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. Tensions over administrative authority have surfaced, with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary highlighting issues of “dual power centres” that limit the elected government’s ability to deliver. This reflects ongoing debates about governance structures post the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which Sinha credits for J&K’s leap toward dignity and progress.
A New Era of Hope
Manoj Sinha’s tenure has been described as a “civilizational rectification,” moving J&K beyond its troubled past. His quiet resolve and focus on actionable results have replaced grand promises with tangible outcomes. As he stated at the launch of Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir, the region has regained its identity as a “paradise” since 2019. With peace prevailing, growth accelerating, and communities uniting, Jammu and Kashmir is embracing a new era of hope and harmony under his visionary leadership.
