Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said providing justice to families of civilians killed in terrorist violence reflects the nation’s resolve to acknowledge their suffering and restore their dignity, as he handed over appointment letters to 37 next of kin (NoKs) of terror victims.
Speaking at a function here, Sinha said the appointments were more than employment opportunities and symbolised the nation’s commitment to families that had endured decades of pain and loss.
“It is a profound honour to stand with the families of terror victims on this historic day. This is not merely about appointment letters but about remembrance of martyrs, justice to terror victim families and the reaffirmation of our national will,” he said.
Paying tribute to civilians killed in terrorist violence, the Lieutenant Governor said the pain of affected families had remained unacknowledged for several decades.
“My heartfelt tribute to the innocent civilians martyred by terrorists. Today’s appointment letters are not just documents of employment but symbols of social justice, recognition and the nation’s solemn promise that its martyrs will never be forgotten, nor their families abandoned,” he said.
Sinha said the families receiving appointment letters were among the beneficiaries of the post-2019 policy framework aimed at extending support to those affected by terrorism.
Quoting Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament on August 5, 2019, the Lieutenant Governor noted that more than 41,849 people had lost their lives to terrorism over the years.
“Their cases, delayed for decades, have finally been addressed. This is not compensation for loss because no money, no job and no paper can replace a loved one. It is, however, an assurance that the nation stands beside them and we are determined to help rebuild lives and restore dignity,” he said.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, Sinha said the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF and civil administration were working in close coordination to dismantle the terror ecosystem.
“Terrorism must end completely. It is necessary not only for the government and security forces but for every common citizen of Jammu and Kashmir. We are determined to uproot terrorism and ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.
Referring to one of the beneficiaries, Sinha recalled the case of Wali Mohammad Wani of Shopian, who was killed by terrorists on July 16, 1993.
“Today, after 33 years, a lamp has been lit in the home of martyr Wali Mohammad Wani. Not only his family but the entire Shopian feels connected to the national mainstream,” he said.
Speaking to reporters after the event, the Lieutenant Governor said the administration was processing similar cases and assured that compassionate appointments would be extended to all eligible families of civilians killed in terrorist incidents in accordance with the existing policy.
“The government is committed to providing jobs to all eligible families of civilians killed in terrorist incidents,” he said. (KNO)
