Jammu, Jan 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday reiterated that with the arrival of a new dawn in Jammu and Kashmir, employment was being provided to the kin of victims of terrorism, not to those collaborating with the terrorists.
Addressing the gathering after unfurling the tricolour at the J&K-level function on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, at MA Stadium on Monday morning, LG Sinha reaffirmed that every case linked to terrorism would be thoroughly examined following fresh investigations, and the culpable would face the strictest punishment.
He also vowed to decisively dismantle the terror ecosystem in J&K and isolate elements employing double standards to justify acts of violence.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Chief Justice High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Arun Palli; the Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislature Sunil Sharma; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police Jammu zone Bhim Sen Tuti besides senior officers of Army, paramilitary forces, J&K Police, and the civil administration were present on the occasion.
Paying tributes to the freedom fighters and the soldiers of the Indian Army, paramilitary forces, and the J&K Police, the LG said that their unwavering commitment and supreme sacrifices safeguarded the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.
He praised the J&K Police, while describing them as ìIndiaís real heroesî for saving many lives in terror attacks by unearthing a nation-wide terror network last year in October-November and preventing several attacks in time.
ìI am proud of them,î LG Sinha said.
Regarding the ëOperation Sindoorí, he said that India drew a new red line with it and conveyed the message that the terror networks across the border or within would be completely neutralised.
With regard to the victims of floods and other natural calamities during 2025, LG Sinha said that the Centre was fully committed to rehabilitating them.
Striking a positive note about J&Kís development trajectory, he said that J&Kís economy was poised to register a growth rate of 11 percent at current prices.
Earlier, the LG inspected the contingents of the Republic Day parade and took the ceremonial salute.
LG Sinha, in his address, delineated the significance of the Republic Day, saying that the sacred national festival reminded countrymen of the enduring values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which formed the very foundation of democracy.
ìIt is a moment to renew our collective commitment to the democratic ideals. The indomitable courage and spirit of service of our valiant security and Police personnel ignite our collective resolve to build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous India,î he said.
YOUTH, ASPIRATIONS, CHALLENGES
Stating that he had full faith in the immense potential of J&K youth, the LG said that the government was committed to creating a conducive environment that would enable the youth to realise their long-term goals and aspirations.
He said that the pace of inclusive development in J&K was unprecedented and shared his resolve to strengthen it further through a strong partnership with the people.
ìOne of the most serious challenges confronting us today is drug abuse among the youth, and we must collectively address this menace. For sustainable development, our society must remain united, courageous, and disciplined in confronting those who promote, justify, or condone terrorism,î he said.
LG Sinha assured the people of J&K that the government, with firm resolve, would continue to create and pursue meaningful opportunities for all, enabling every individual to shape their own destiny and realise new aspirations.
ìI call upon people of all generations to come together and actively support us in building the J&K of our collective dreams ñ a J&K where youth have equal opportunities, where women-led development drives economic growth and social stability, and where unity, peace, and commitment guide us towards a brighter and more prosperous future,î he said.
‘OPERATION SINDOOR’
With particular reference to ëOperation Sindoorí, he thanked all those who upheld the nationís pride through their duty, dedication, and bravery.
ìFollowing the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, ëOperation Sindoorí emerged as a defining moment in Indiaís national security doctrine. India made it unequivocally clear that any terrorist attack on its soil would be treated as an act of war. ëOperation Sindoorí was not merely a military action; it was a declaration of Indiaís strategic resolve,î the LG said.
He said that through ëOperation Sindoorí, India conveyed to the world that every act of terrorism and every attempt to support it would be met with a decisive response.
ìIndia has firmly drawn a new red line. It has sent a clear signal to the international community that Indiaís actions are rational, restrained, and rooted in its legitimate right to self-defence. Whether terrorist networks operate across the border or within it, they will be completely neutralised. Operation Sindoor continues, with every hostile move being closely monitored,î LG Sinha said.
In the same breath, while mentioning the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), he said that as part of non-kinetic measures, India terminated the treaty, delivering a strong message that bloodshed and cooperation could not coexist.
ìIndiaís water resources will now be utilised for Indiaís development,î he said and paid tributes to all civilians who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The LG also lauded the personnel of the J&K Police, CRPF, and the Indian Army who, through ëOperation Mahadeví, eliminated the three Pakistani terrorists involved in the attack.
He offered his heartfelt condolences to the Police and civil administration personnel who lost their lives in the unfortunate accidental explosion in Nowgam.
ìThe debt owed to those who secured peace and progress in J&K with their blood can never be repaid. On this solemn occasion, we must pledge to remember their sacrifice and fulfil their dream of a peaceful, fearless, and developed J&K,î the LG said.
TERROR ECOSYSTEM
Referring to the resolve of the government to crush the terror ecosystem in the fast-changing J&K, LG Sinha said, ìA new dawn has arrived in J&K. Employment is being provided not to those associated with terrorism, but to families who have suffered because of it.î
In the same breath, he said that the decades of suppressed pain and tears were finally receiving dignity and justice.
ìI assure the people of J&K that every case linked to terrorism will be thoroughly examined, fresh investigations will be conducted, and the guilty will face the strictest punishment,î he said.
REHABILITATION OF NATURAL DISASTER VICTIMS
Paying tribute to the people who lost their lives in last yearís unfortunate natural disaster, the LG said that, along with government assistance, corporate entities, and voluntary organisations from across the country extended support to ensure swift relief to affected families.
ìUnder the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Government of India is fully committed to their complete rehabilitation,î he said.
GROWTH TRAJECTORY
The LG said that J&Kís economy was estimated to register a growth rate of 11 percent at current prices, driven by sustained government initiatives and strategic policy interventions.
ìThe Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of J&K is estimated at Rs 2,62,458 crore for 2024-25, up from Rs 2,36,059 crore in 2023-24. This positive trajectory underscores the effectiveness of ongoing economic development strategies, infrastructure expansion, and business-friendly policies,î he said.
TOURISM PIVOT OF ECONOMY
Describing the tourism sector as ìa pivotal position in the economy of J&Kî, he said that it was granted the status of an industry in 2020 to attract greater investment.
ìKnown as the ëParadise on Earth,í J&K recorded 1.61 crore tourist visits in 2025 (up to November). While this figure is lower than last yearís 2.36 crore visits, considering the adverse impact of the Pahalgam incident in April 2025 and subsequent floods, the sustained and focused efforts of the government have yielded encouraging and resilient outcomes,î LG Sinha said.
He said that the government was making sustained efforts to develop world-class tourist destinations, with financial support from the Ministry of Tourism and external funding agencies.
ìWith a vision to explore and unlock new tourism potential, nine new tourist destinations were identified, and projects were being prepared to develop these sites in accordance with international standards,î the LG said.
IMPROVED CONNECTIVITY, FREIGHT NETWORK
Pointing out the improved connectivity, he said that Kashmir was connected with the rest of India through train services, fulfilling a long-cherished dream.
ìA full-fledged Railway Division for Jammu has also been sanctioned. Expansion and modernisation of Jammu Tawi Railway Station and Jammu airport are progressing steadily, significantly strengthening regional connectivity,î LG Sinha said.
Referring to the first-ever Food Corporation of India (FCI) food-grain freight train connecting Kashmir with the national freight network, realising another long-standing aspiration, he said that the freight train movement would benefit citizens, businesses, and infrastructure projects by ensuring year-round logistics unaffected by adverse weather, reducing pressure on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, and accelerating economic growth in J&K.
The LG said that the road network witnessed substantial improvement through the execution of various programmes and schemes.
With an overall investment of Rs 61,528 crore, the construction and upgradation of one Expressway (Delhi-Amritsar-Katra), five national highways, and two ring roads for Srinagar and Jammu cities were in progress, he said.
ìThree tunnels, including the Sonamarg tunnel, have been completed, while eight tunnels, including the Zojila Tunnel, are at advanced stages of completion. These initiatives have significantly enhanced connectivity and reduced travel time, particularly on the Srinagar-Jammu corridor. The Narbal-Shopian-Surankote road, with a spur to Magam-Gulmarg (196.50 km), has recently been declared a national highway,î LG Sinha said.
To further strengthen connectivity, he said, the Government of India sanctioned 19 new national highway projects during 2025-26, at an estimated cost of Rs 10,637 crore.
He thanked the Government of India for resolving the long-pending issue of connecting left-out habitations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
ìWith the launch of PMGSY-IV, 2400 unconnected rural habitations in J&K will now be connected. In Phase-I, 316 projects, with an estimated cost of Rs 4224 crore, have been sanctioned for the construction and up-gradation of 1781 km of road length. To address connectivity needs in strategic and far-flung areas, 152 road projects, covering 1148 km at a cost exceeding Rs 2600 crore, have been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, for approval,î he said.
POWER SECTOR
With regard to another crucial sector, the LG said that the governmentís focused efforts were yielding unprecedented results.
ìFour major hydropower projects ñ Pakal Dul, Ratle, Kiru, and Kwar, with a combined capacity of 3014 MW, were under rapid execution. The long-stalled 1856 MW Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project has also been revived after years of stagnation,î he said.
Over the past five years, a record 5708 MVA was added to the distribution sector and 4239 MVA to the transmission sector, LG Sinha said.
ìInstallation of smart prepaid meters is underway in mission mode, with 10.44 lakh meters already installed, and 100 percent coverage targeted by 2026-27. As a result, losses have been reduced by 9 percent, while revenue has increased by 16 percent,î he said.
The LG said that the PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana was being implemented across J&K with the objective of solarising households and government buildings.
ìTo date, 6716 government buildings have been solarised, creating a cumulative installed capacity of 64.61 MW, while 16,816 rooftop solar systems have been installed in individual households. This initiative has resulted in a substantial reduction in recurring electricity expenditure, enhanced reliability of power supply, and reduced dependence on conventional energy sources. I urge all citizens to actively support the administration in the solarisation of households and in minimising their electricity expenses,î he said.
During the Republic Day function which LG Sinha presided, the march-past featured a disciplined display by smart contingents from Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, IRP (women and men), J&K Police, JKAP, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), J&K Fire and Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, Excise and Taxation Department, Ex-Servicemen, NCC (Boys and Girls), Bharat Scouts and Guides (girls and boys), and several school contingents, Brass and Pipe bands of Army, BSF, J&K Police, and Band Troops (girls and boys) of different schools.
The celebration showcased the developmental and cultural spirit of J&K through vibrant tableaux.
Key themes included ëOperation Sindoorí, ëMission Yuvaí, Road Safety, ëNasha Mukt J&Kí, ëShram ko Sammaní, ëSaral Kar, Sashakt Bharat and Food Safetyí.
The crowd was, in particular, enthralled by the impressive motorcycle acrobatic display by the J&K Policeís daredevils and a diverse cultural pageantry representing J&Kís rich heritage.
Prior to his arrival at M A Stadium, the LG visited the Police Martyrs Memorial and Balidan Stambh.
He laid wreaths and paid tribute to the Police, Army, and CAPFs personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
