'Terrorism Taking Its Last Breath': J&K LG Manoj Sinha Sends Clear Message After Pahalgam Attack

Last Updated:July 13, 2025, 10:33 IST

J&K LG Manoj Sinha said Pahalgam attack had three main objectives: to create fear, disturb communal harmony, and provoke a nationwide backlash against Kashmiris.

J-K lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha (File/ANI)

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that terrorism is taking its “last breath" in the Union Territory, which is at the cusp of becoming a “terror-free region", following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

In his first exclusive interview since the incident, Sinha told News18 that the overwhelming public response against the attack marked a critical turning point in the fight against terrorism.

“Terrorism is taking its last breath. The way people came out in large numbers against the Pahalgam incident shows the end is near," LG Sinha said.

The attack, which took place in the tourist hotspot of Pahalgam, broke a long-standing belief that terrorists would not target such destinations.

“There was always this belief that terrorists never attacked tourist spots in the Valley. That myth was shattered on April 22," Sinha said.

Despite the shock, Sinha described the aftermath as a moment of unity and resilience for the people of the region.

“The people of J&K, especially in the Valley, stood united against terrorism. That was a silver lining, a turning point. History is witness that whenever and wherever people have united against terrorism, terrorism has ended. The police and security forces played a crucial role."

‘Pakistan Cannot Digest Kashmir’s Progress’

According to Sinha, the Pahalgam attack had three main objectives: to create fear, disturb communal harmony, and provoke a nationwide backlash against Kashmiris.

“But the way the Government of India handled it, the terrorists failed in their design. Pakistan cannot digest the prosperity and integration of Kashmir," he said.

In response to the attack, the administration has taken swift action to strengthen security at tourist locations.

“We decided to create a foolproof security infrastructure at all tourist destinations. We will soon hold a security review meeting. The places that were earlier closed will be reopened," the LG said.

He confirmed that more tourist sites across the Valley will reopen in phases, helping to sustain the tourism boom.

Amarnath Yatra Numbers Rise

Despite initial fear following the attack, the annual Amarnath Yatra has seen a strong turnout.

“Initially, registrations dipped. But we contacted those who had registered before April 22 via SMS, assuring them of security. That outreach worked," Sinha said.

“So far, 85,000 of those pilgrims have turned up. I’m told that over 1.66 lakh pilgrims have already had darshan of Baba Barfani in just the first few days. Though the Yatra duration is shorter this year, the signs are extremely encouraging."

“When there is faith, fear cannot deter people. Pilgrims are being protected by a three-tier security apparatus and provided all necessary facilities."

Crackdown On Terror Links In Govt

Sinha also revealed that the administration has taken concrete steps to purge the system of individuals with terror links.

“We’ve terminated around 77 people who were either terrorists themselves or had direct terror links. Many were part of the system," he said.

He added that the administration is now focused on ensuring justice and support for genuine victims of terrorism.

“Her mother had to beg to feed her daughters. I became emotional. I called a meeting with the CS, DGP, and other officials to formulate a policy: if no FIR had been registered, we’d ensure it is. If compensation hadn’t reached them, we’d deliver it. If they wanted to start a business, we’d get them PM Mudra loans."

“Earlier, there were loopholes and misuse. Now we’ve built strong safeguards to ensure that only the actual victims benefit."

“The real victims will get a job where they were denied, an FIR would be registered if it wasn’t earlier, their cases would be reinvestigated, and culprits punished."

He further said: “Every district has set up a helpline for these victims who call and get help. There are cases who were denied justice for decades. We will reach out to them and ensure justice is provided. There are some cases where the properties of the victims were taken over by the terrorists — we will ensure the same is restored."

“In the earlier system, while the victims got nothing, the terrorists got government jobs. But that is bound to change, and the change has started taking shape."

Sinha On Talks With Pak

On demands for dialogue with Pakistan, the LG was unequivocal.

“These decisions are taken by the Government of India. When the PM has clearly stated that terror and talks, terror and water cannot go together, we must ignore those giving sermons about talking to Pakistan," he said.

“The government’s policy under Prime Minister Modi is very clear — there will be no compromise on terror."

The LG noted that the ground situation in the Valley has transformed.

“There are no strikes. No stone pelting. Nightlife is back. Cinemas have reopened. And in 2025, only one local youth has been recruited by terror outfits," he said.

“We will not buy peace. We will destroy the terror ecosystem."

Highlighting the region’s economic growth, Sinha said tourism has become a powerful engine of prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The economy of J&K has doubled. Over 5,000 new hotels have opened in five years. People who had one hotel now have two. This progress — Pakistan cannot tolerate," he remarked.

On Statehood: “The Sequence Is Clear"

On the issue of restoring statehood, Sinha pointed to the roadmap already laid out by the Union Government.

“On August 5, 2019, the Home Minister said: first delimitation, then elections, and then restoration of statehood at the appropriate time. Delimitation and elections have happened. Statehood, too, will be restored — at the time the Government of India decides."

Clarifying the administrative structure, the LG said: “Law and order and policy matters lie with me. Everything else is with the elected government. I don’t hold anything back. Anything that benefits the public — I give my assent to it."

“The State Reorganisation Act defines the roles. If there’s ever confusion, it’s resolved through correspondence."

Location :

Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

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