Jammu, August 21, 2026- Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone of the Amriteshwar Sarovar under the Jan Sanchay Jan Bhagidari initiative at Dharpur, Sunderbani, in Rajouri district. The event marks another step in the administration’s ongoing efforts to promote community-driven development projects across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
During his visit, the Lieutenant Governor paid obeisance at the Shri Amriteshwar Shiv Temple, praying for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of all. The temple, developed through the efforts of local residents, has emerged as an important spiritual and cultural landmark in the Sunderbani belt of Rajouri district.
Addressing a public gathering, the Lieutenant Governor commended the local community and the Shri Amriteshwar Shiv Mandir Vikas Samiti for their collective efforts in establishing and developing the sacred site, describing it as a model of what community participation can achieve when combined with administrative support.
Community Solidarity as a Force Against Terrorism and Corruption
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the vital role of community solidarity in eliminating terrorism, substance abuse, and corruption, while simultaneously driving economic development and a spiritual renaissance across the region.
“India is going through a great spiritual revival. This cultural wave is felt across Jammu & Kashmir, bringing people closer together and strengthening our community bonds,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor urged citizens to remain vigilant against the designs of anti-national elements, to report suspicious activities, and to completely isolate terror sympathizers from mainstream society. His remarks reflected the administration’s continued emphasis on citizen participation as a cornerstone of the security strategy in border districts like Rajouri, which have historically been sensitive from a security standpoint due to their proximity to the Line of Control.
A Whole-of-Society Approach to Security
“Security forces alone cannot defeat terrorism. Eradicating this threat demands a whole-of-society approach. United societal effort is required along with police and security agencies to dismantle the illicit financial and logistical webs of narco-terror networks,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He noted that a concerted security and societal effort — driven by the Army, security forces, J&K Police, local administration, and residents of Jammu & Kashmir — has significantly degraded terrorism and transformed the region’s security landscape over recent years.
“It was once grimly predicted that the Tricolour would find no willing hands to carry it in Jammu & Kashmir. Today, it is held high with pride on countless resolute shoulders,” he added, drawing applause from the gathered crowd.
Administration’s Commitment to Local Development
Responding to demands raised during the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor assured that the administration would make sincere efforts to address public grievances and local infrastructure needs. Such interactions have become a regular feature of the Lieutenant Governor’s outreach across districts, allowing residents to directly raise concerns related to roads, water supply, healthcare, and other essential services.
The Amriteshwar Sarovar project itself is expected to enhance the temple complex’s appeal as a pilgrimage and community gathering site, potentially boosting local tourism and generating economic opportunities for residents of the Sunderbani belt.
Dignitaries Present
The event was attended by Thakur Randhir Singh, MLA from Kalakote-Sunderbani; Shri Satyapal Sharma, President of the Shri Amriteshwar Shiv Mandir Vikas Samiti and Chelda Biradari; Shri Rajesh Gupta, President of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, J&K; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Sandeep Wazir, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range; Shri Abhishek Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri; Dr. Bharat Bhushan, General Secretary of the Samiti; along with other members, senior officials, and prominent citizens from various walks of life.
