In a clear reference to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his government, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha Thursday said that everyone must acknowledge that the region is currently a Union Territory (UT) while expressing hope for the future celebration of statehood.
Sinha made this statement in response to Abdullah and his cabinet's boycott of the fifth UT foundation celebration.
Speaking at an event held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) to commemorate the fifth UT foundation day, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the vision laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, entailing delimitation, Assembly elections and ultimately restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the appropriate time.
Addressing reporters, Sinha remarked, "At present, Jammu and Kashmir is a UT, and everyone must accept this reality. When Jammu and Kashmir becomes a state again, we will celebrate that day as well."
He criticised NC leaders' stance on the UT Foundation Day celebrations, describing it as having a "dual character”—taking an oath under the Indian Constitution while simultaneously opposing Jammu and Kashmir’s UT status.
Yesterday, NC leader and Zadibal MLA Tanveer Sadiq said that the NC would not participate in the celebrations as they do not recognise Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a Union Territory.
Regarding panchayat elections, the LG said the polls had been delayed due to unresolved issues related to backward class reservations. He assured that the J&K administration is committed to holding these elections as soon as possible to strengthen grassroots democracy.
Talking about the turnaround of the J&K Bank, Sinha said that it, once burdened with debt, is now a profitable institution that supports local loans and financing.
"Today, it is a people’s bank and a testament to the progress Jammu and Kashmir has experienced in recent years," he said, adding the bank’s success reflects the broader strides toward economic stability in the region.
Reflecting on the changes in Jammu and Kashmir, he described the positive transformations in public spaces, such as Lal Chowk, which was once associated with unrest but is now a hub for anti-terror and candlelight protests, symbolising a revamped identity for locations like Pulwama Chowk.
"Post-2019, the atmosphere has changed," the LG said, while also acknowledging recent terrorist incidents that resulted in the loss of security personnel. He expressed confidence that the J&K Police and other security forces would effectively respond, reinforcing efforts to eradicate terrorism.
"The time is not far when Jammu and Kashmir will be free from terror,” he said.
He also warned those using disruptive rhetoric, urging them to “refrain from provocative statements,"while highlighting the importance of maintaining the peace achieved through significant efforts in recent years.