Centre Committed to Restoring J&K Statehood, Trust PM Modi’s Assurance: LG Manoj Sinha.

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reiterated that the Centre remains committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, urging people to trust the assurances given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament.In an interview with a national television channel, LG Manoj Sinha said the statements made by the country’s top leadership regarding restoration of J&K statehood carry serious constitutional and political significance.He recalled that the Prime Minister and Home Minister had assured Parliament that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time after completion of delimitation and Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.Highlighting the recently held Assembly elections, Sinha said the polls were conducted peacefully with strong voter participation and without incidents of violence, stone-pelting, or repolling.The Lieutenant Governor said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed major improvements in peace, stability, tourism, infrastructure development, agriculture, and economic growth over the past few years.He also claimed that J&K Bank, which had earlier faced financial stress, is now functioning profitably, while developmental projects across the Union Territory have gained fresh momentum.Speaking on the security situation, Manoj Sinha said militant recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir has declined sharply due to sustained anti-terror operations carried out by security forces.Referring to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, the LG said security agencies responded swiftly and neutralised those involved through precise operations conducted under “Operation Sindoor” within 72 hours.Sinha further stated that terrorism and drug trafficking are closely linked, alleging that proceeds from narcotics smuggling are often used to fund militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir.He said security agencies have intensified anti-drug operations, including registration of FIRs, attachment of properties, crackdown on drug networks, and monitoring of terror-linked activities.The Lieutenant Governor also claimed that regional discrimination in Jammu and Kashmir has ended, adding that the administration is now focusing on border area development, youth empowerment, rehabilitation of terrorism-affected families, and counter-radicalisation measures through technology-driven initiatives.