Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has pledged to establish lasting peace in the Jammu region within six months, following recent terror attacks. Speaking to business leaders from YPO-Global One, Sinha emphasized the transformative period under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, which has prioritized peace and inclusive development.
“We don’t believe in buying peace but establishing peace,” Sinha stated. “J&K Police and security forces are on the job. Soon we will completely eliminate terrorism and its entire ecosystem. With the ongoing efforts, I believe the Jammu region is on track to fully regain peace within the next six months.”
In a separate interaction with reporters, Sinha reiterated that separatism and terrorism have no future in Jammu and Kashmir, directly calling on Pakistan to cease its support for terrorism. “There is no future of separatism and terrorism in J&K. I have said it several times that our neighbour is battling its internal issues, it is not even taking care of the basic rights of its citizens. It should stop exporting terrorism,” he said.
During the YPO-Global One event, Sinha detailed the government’s strategic approach to Jammu and Kashmir’s development over the past five years, focusing on economic growth, sustainability, and effective social welfare programs. “Our aim is to achieve faster, sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” he explained. “A strategic, multi-faceted approach was adopted to tap the industrial potential of J&K so as to strike the right balance between economic growth, sustainability and social development.”
Sinha highlighted the region’s evolving industrial landscape and its emerging opportunities, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and environmentally sustainable growth. He outlined key focus areas, including innovation in research, IT, and ITeS, and leveraging the region’s strengths in tourism, handicrafts, handlooms, and horticulture.
“I want the industrial growth to benefit all the citizens of Jammu Kashmir. This is my resolve. My second resolve is to ensure that industrial growth is environmentally sustainable,” Sinha said.
He noted the significant increase in tourism and the potential for further development in film tourism, entertainment, and hospitality. The government’s initiatives have also led to a doubling of handloom and handicraft exports and improved access to global markets for horticulture products.
Responding to queries from YPO members, Sinha highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s advantages as an investment destination, including economic stability, skilled labor, raw materials, incentives, a safe business environment, and strong infrastructure. He also mentioned public safety and a composite culture as conducive factors for multinational companies.
Regarding healthcare and education, while Lieutenant Governor Sinha mentioned “strong healthcare system” and “higher education” as suitable for multinational operations, it’s important to note that recent reports suggest challenges in these sectors within Jammu and Kashmir, including long wait times in hospitals and a strained education system.
