Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha recently stated that people and history will judge what has changed in five years compared to what used to happen earlier.
He took over the reins of Jammu and Kashmir on August 7, 2020 and would complete five years in the office next month.
LG Sinha maintained that J&K has broken away from its troubled past and is embracing a brighter, secure, and development-driven future. In an interview he reflected on the J&K’s transformational journey.
The shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-political climate is perhaps one of the most notable aspects of LG Sinha’s tenure. The silence of hartals, the disappearance of stone pelting, and the visible return of normalcy in daily life mark a departure from the decades of instability that once defined the region. The transformation isn’t merely cosmetic—it reflects a systematic dismantling of the terror ecosystem and a reassertion of democratic governance and the rule of law. Under LG Sinha’s leadership, security forces have acted with precision and resolve, and more importantly, the administration has prioritized peace without compromising on justice or constitutional integrity. One of the most commendable achievements of this period has been the restoration of public confidence. Educational institutions, businesses, tourism, and public services are operating without disruption. Srinagar, once synonymous with curfews and conflict, is now witnessing a revival of its night life, art, and culture. The people of the Valley, particularly the youth, are engaging in sports, entrepreneurship, and innovation like never before. Initiatives such as Mission Youth, Back to Village, and the widespread push for self-employment schemes have empowered thousands of young people. On the development front, LG Sinha’s administration has fast-tracked infrastructure projects that were long stalled. Roads, tunnels, power projects, and railway connectivity have received unprecedented attention, transforming not only the physical but also the psychological map of Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Territory has emerged as one of the top-performing regions in PMGSY road construction, health infrastructure improvements, and digital governance. Importantly, transparency and accountability have become cornerstones of administration. Corruption, which had seeped into the very fabric of governance, is now being tackled with resolve. Recruitment processes have been made merit-based, and government services are being delivered through robust online platforms, ensuring minimal human interference and maximum efficiency. Lieutenant Governor Sinha’s term has laid the foundation for a peaceful and progressive Jammu and Kashmir. While history will, indeed, be the ultimate judge, the present already tells a compelling story of transition. The next phase must build on this stability, ensuring that the gains made are deepened and shared equitably across regions, communities, and generations. |
