Srinagar, August 5(BANN): In a landmark move towards justice and healing, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha handed over appointment letters to 158 Next of Kin (NoKs) of civilians killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. The emotional event, held in Srinagar, marks a turning point for hundreds of families who have endured decades of silent suffering, pain, and trauma.
Calling it a “moment of closure,” LG Sinha said that wounds that had remained open for decades are now beginning to heal. He paid heartfelt tributes to the civilian martyrs and saluted the courage and resilience of the families who suffered due to terrorism in the Union Territory.“For over three decades, the terror state of Pakistan has been shedding innocent blood through its proxy terrorist outfits. Time did not erase the pain. The invisible scars remain.
The mute eyes of the victim families are witness to dreams that were never fulfilled,” LG Sinha said.The LG reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and rehabilitation for all families affected by terrorism. “We will ensure that those responsible for heinous crimes get exemplary punishment. Terror sympathisers will also face the harshest possible consequences,” he declared.
Among those receiving job letters was Mudasir Majid, whose father Abdul Majid Mir was kidnapped and killed by terrorists in 2004. Despite a meagre ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 lakh, the family lived in poverty for years. Now, Mudasir has finally received a government job, fulfilling a long-overdue promise.Another such case is Suhail Majeed, who lost his father Abdul Majeed Wani in 1994. After 31 years, his family finally got justice.
Similarly, Khurshid Ahmad Rather, son of SPO Manzoor Ahmad Rather, who was killed in 2000, and Parvez Ahmad Dar, who lost both his father and brother to terrorism, were also handed appointment letters.“This initiative is not just about jobs, but about restoring dignity and honour to those who lost everything,” the LG emphasized.
He assured the families that the dreams of their loved ones will now be fulfilled by the next generation.Highlighting the significance of August 5, 2019, LG Sinha stated that the abrogation of Article 370 marked the beginning of a new era in Jammu and Kashmir. “Earlier, Article 370 only helped strengthen terrorism and separatism. But today, a new Jammu Kashmir has emerged — one that embraces its common citizens and rejects terrorism,” he said.“The new Jammu and Kashmir is one where jobs go to real martyrs, not terrorists.
It is a place where pens are placed in the hands of children, not stones,” the LG added powerfully.He further noted that the administration is taking strict action against terrorist sympathisers within the system. “The cleaning process has begun. Every element of the old terror ecosystem is being dismantled.”The Lieutenant Governor called upon every citizen to rise against terrorism and protect the peace and progress of the region.
“Peace is the foundation of development. Terrorism has no place in a civilised society. Each person must take a pledge that they will not allow this darkness to return.”Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken a bold and clear stance against terrorism, ensuring strong action not just against terrorists but also their sponsors.To streamline assistance, the J\&K administration has developed a dedicated web portal for relief, appointments, and other support to terror victim families.
District and divisional-level helplines have also been established to address grievances.Today’s event follows recent landmark programs held in Baramulla (July 13) and Jammu (July 28). With this, the process of healing and justice is gaining momentum. Appointment letters for other eligible NoKs will soon be distributed at their respective district headquarters until every deserving case is addressed.
Senior officials including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, along with families of the victims, attended the solemn yet hopeful ceremony.This historic day has rekindled hope for hundreds and sent a strong message — terror may have taken lives, but it cannot crush the spirit of justice and humanity.(BANN)
