Srinagar, March 15 (KONS): Manoj Sinha on Sunday handed over appointment letters to 27 next of kin (NoKs) of victims of terrorism from the Kashmir Division at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar.
Appointment letters were also given to 22 NoKs of deceased government employees under the Jammu & Kashmir Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme–2022 and SRO-43.
Reaffirming his commitment to justice for every terror victim’s family, the Lieutenant Governor said pending cases will be reopened to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
Paying homage to civilian victims of terrorism, he said that for decades the families of poor and vulnerable citizens killed by terrorists had clung to the hope of justice. He added that the campaign launched from Baramulla last year has provided these families with support, courage and renewed self-belief.
“Our campaign to deliver justice to terror victims’ families has restored their tomorrow. We have succeeded in dispelling the shadow of injustice and ushering in a new dawn of justice at the doorsteps of terror victims’ families. So far, around 400 NoKs have received employment, and we will continue relentlessly until we reach the very last family still awaiting justice,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He emphasised that the initiative is not merely an administrative exercise.
“This is not just about signing papers, shuffling files or filling posts; it is a profound commitment to justice. My aim throughout this process is to ensure that no terror-affected family slips through the cracks of neglect or fades from public and official attention. I view these appointment letters as true justice, and today’s event stands as a testament to that,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that under the guidance of Narendra Modi, several initiatives have been taken over the past five to six years with the goal of building a Jammu and Kashmir defined not by the pain of its past but by confidence in its future.
“In August 2020, I set the vision of developing a Jammu and Kashmir that measures its strength by the heights of its dreams and builds a system rooted in social justice, dignity and equal opportunity,” he added.
He also directed the Principal Secretary Home to conduct a comprehensive review of cases related to property encroachment involving victims of terrorism.
“I have repeatedly affirmed that lands or homes forcibly seized from terror-affected families will be freed and returned, and cases yet to undergo investigation will receive impartial and transparent probes,” he said.
Highlighting the administration’s commitment to rehabilitation, the Lieutenant Governor said many victims of terrorism have lost their eyesight or are living with severe disabilities.
“We will prepare a robust framework for their rehabilitation. The administration has also outlined a timeline for providing essential housing and other support to victims of terrorism,” he said.
Calling for unity, the Lieutenant Governor urged people to remain vigilant against divisive and separatist elements.
“Adhering to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s mantra of ‘Zero Tolerance towards Terrorism’, the administration, police and security forces are taking decisive action to dismantle terror networks. We must remain vigilant against elements trying to divide us along sectarian lines. We are Indians, and it is our collective duty to ensure the peace and progress of our nation. Officials and citizens must also work together to strengthen faith in our government institutions,” he added.
Among those present on the occasion were Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Mandeep K. Bhandari, Commissioner Secretary GAD M. Raju, IGP Kashmir V. K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, SSP Srinagar G. V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Chairman of Save Youth Save Future Foundation Wajahat Farooq Bhat, senior officials, members of social organisations and families of victims of terrorism.(KINS)
