Srinagar, August 5 – In a significant step towards justice and rehabilitation for victims of terrorism, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Monday handed over appointment letters to 158 Next of Kin (NoKs) of civilian victims killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.
The emotionally charged event, held in Srinagar, brought together families from across the Union Territory, many of whom shared harrowing stories of loss and long-standing neglect. The LG paid tribute to the civilian martyrs, acknowledging the pain and perseverance of the families who have suffered silently for decades.
“Wounds that have persisted for decades are now being healed. Today’s landmark event provided a sense of closure to the families who have silently suffered trauma for years,” said LG Manoj Sinha, emphasising that the long wait for justice is finally over.
A Promise of Dignity and Justice
During the event, LG Sinha assured the families of the victims that the administration will continue to ensure dignified lives and just rehabilitation.
“We will do everything possible for the rehabilitation of terror victims. The perpetrators of heinous crimes will receive exemplary punishment, and terror sympathisers will not be spared,” he said, adding, “I will not rest until every family that has suffered at the hands of terrorism gets justice.”
Stories of Resilience
The LG narrated several tragic incidents, including the case of Abdul Majid Mir, who was brutally murdered by terrorists in 2004. His son, Mudasir Majid, received his government job appointment letter today—an act LG Sinha described as the administration’s “long-overdue responsibility.”
Similarly, Suhail Majeed, whose father Abdul Majeed Wani was killed in 1994, and Khurshid Ahmad Rather, son of SPO Manzoor Ahmad Rather, killed in 2000, were also offered jobs under the compassionate appointment scheme.
“These families waited decades, but today, their trauma has been acknowledged, and justice has begun,” said the LG.
Transformative Journey Post Article 370 Abrogation
Reflecting on the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, LG Sinha said the day marked the beginning of a new Jammu and Kashmir, free from discrimination, terrorism, and separatism.
“Because of Article 370, terrorism was emboldened. The dismantling of the terror ecosystem started on 5 August 2019. The new Jammu Kashmir is one where tears of common Kashmiris are wiped, not tears for terrorists,” he remarked.
New J&K: Jobs for Martyrs, Not Militants
Reiterating the administration’s stance, LG Sinha stated:
“In the new Jammu and Kashmir, jobs are not given to terrorists but to the real martyrs of this UT. The terrorist elements in the system are being cleaned out one by one.”
He underlined the importance of education, peace, and progress, noting, “Today, children in Kashmir have pens in their hands, not stones. This is the new narrative of hope and dignity.”
National Policy on Terrorism
Speaking on India’s tough stance on terrorism under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the LG said:
“India has drawn a new redline against terrorism. If terror is a state policy, it will be met with a visible and forceful response. There is no place for terrorism in a civilised society.”
Institutional Support for Terror Victim Families
In his address, LG Sinha also highlighted several recent initiatives:
- A dedicated web portal has been launched to streamline relief and rehabilitation processes.
- District-level helplines are active to assist affected families.
- More appointment letters will be distributed at district headquarters to ensure no genuine case is left unaddressed.
The event also saw the presence of Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, GAD Secretary M Raju, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, and other senior officials.
Conclusion
The distribution of appointment letters to 158 NoKs of terror victims represents a milestone in the healing and justice process for Jammu and Kashmir. It underlines the administration’s resolve to stand with the victims of terrorism and build a new, inclusive, and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir.
