Jammu, April 2, 2025 – Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated on Tuesday that there is no longer a need for a United Nations office in Srinagar, given the improved situation in Jammu and Kashmir. However, he clarified that the decision falls under the domain of the External Affairs Ministry , which holds the authority to address the matter.
Speaking to reporters, LG Sinha emphasised that the situation in the Union Territory has stabilised significantly, shifting the focus away from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir . “There is no need for the UN office in Srinagar now,” Sinha remarked, responding to a question about the relevance of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan presence in the region. He added, “This issue is not in my domain. The External Affairs Ministry is in a better position to take a call on it.”
The UNMOGIP, established in 1949 to monitor the ceasefire line between India and Pakistan following the first Indo-Pak war, has maintained an office in Srinagar. However, with the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 and subsequent developments, questions have arisen about its continued relevance. Sinha’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that the region’s challenges now lie beyond India’s borders, particularly in PoJK.
In the same address, the LG expressed optimism about the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. “The day is not far when KPs will return to their homes,” he said, highlighting the government’s efforts to facilitate their rehabilitation. The displacement of Kashmiri Pandits in the 1990s remains a sensitive issue, and Sinha’s statement underscores ongoing initiatives to restore normalcy and trust in the Valley.
Manoj Sinha also spoke of the strong coordination between his administration and the central government, noting that powers are clearly defined under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019. “We have a good liaison with the government,” he said, signaling a collaborative approach to governance in the Union Territory.
The LG’s remarks come amid a series of developments in Jammu and Kashmir, including infrastructure projects and welfare schemes aimed at integrating the region more closely with the rest of India. While the UN office in Srinagar remains a symbolic issue tied to historical disputes, its closure would require diplomatic deliberation by the External Affairs Ministry, as Sinha pointed out.
For now, the focus remains on progress within Jammu and Kashmir, with the LG reiterating his commitment to peace, prosperity, and the return of displaced communities like the Kashmiri Pandits.