Srinagar, May 11, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha convened a meeting with community leaders, religious figures, civil society members, and industry heads at Raj Bhawan yesterday, urging a collective stand to strengthen national unity and defeat attempts by adversaries to sow division along religious and sectarian lines in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha emphasised the region’s historical role as a beacon of peace, diversity, and coexistence. “Jammu and Kashmir is not merely a land; it is a living testament to social unity and brotherhood. Our enemies are orchestrating desperate efforts to fracture this harmony by targeting our sacred spaces and spreading discord. We must unite as an unbreakable force to foil these sinister designs,” he declared.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the recent escalation of violence, including the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam and relentless cross-border shelling by Pakistan since May 7, which has claimed civilian lives in border districts such as Poonch, Rajouri, Jammu, Kupwara, and Baramulla. He lauded the Indian armed forces for their resolute response, particularly through Operation Sindoor, which neutralized nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan in a precise and restrained counterstrike.
“Our brave soldiers are delivering a fitting reply to the enemy. The unity and unwavering patriotism of our people will be their greatest strength,” LG Sinha said, calling on citizens to reject divisive propaganda and fake narratives peddled by adversaries. He also paid tribute to the soldiers guarding the nation’s borders, urging the public to rally behind them.
Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah, also present, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and preserving the region’s social fabric. “We will not allow the enemy to divide us. Our priority is the safety of every citizen and the continuity of peace,” he said, while assuring uninterrupted access to essential goods and appealing to businesses to report any black-marketing.
The meeting saw a unified response from diverse voices. Moulvi Riyaz ul Haq, Imaam o Khateeb of Asari Sharief Hazratbal, prayed for peace and prosperity, emphasizing unity as the need of the hour. S. Paramjit Singh, President of Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Baramulla, condemned Pakistan’s attack on a Gurudwara in Poonch, calling for international action against such provocations. S. Gurmeet Singh Bali, Secretary, GPC Srinagar, reiterated the community’s loyalty, stating, “This nation is ours, and we belong to it.”
The business community, represented by Shri Javid Ahmed Tenga of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Shri Shahid Kamili of the Federation of Chambers of Industries Kashmir, pledged full support to the administration’s efforts. Religious leaders, including Revd. Vino Koul of All Saints Church, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi of J&K Anjum Sharie Shian, and Shri Parshotam Lal of Shiv Shakti Sewa Dal, echoed the call for unity and resilience.
The gathering observed a somber two-minute silence in memory of civilians killed in the Pahalgam attack and those lost to Pakistan’s unprovoked shelling. Senior officials, including Ms. Sakina Itoo, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Shri Javed Ahmed Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, and Shri Nalin Prabhat, Director General of Police, attended the meeting.
As Jammu and Kashmir faces these challenging times, the message from Raj Bhawan is clear: unity, peace, and brotherhood are the region’s greatest assets, and together, its people will stand firm against any threat to their shared values.