Report by: Shaharbeen News Desk – Srinagar
Srinagar, August 5: In a significant development that marks justice and healing for hundreds of families, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today handed over government job appointment letters to 158 Next of Kin (NoKs) of innocent civilians killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir. The event served not only as a step toward rehabilitation but also as an emotional closure for families who have silently endured decades of pain.
Speaking at the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor said,
“Wounds that have persisted for decades are now being healed. Today’s landmark event provided a sense of closure to the families who have silently suffered trauma for years.”
He added that for more than three decades, the terror state of Pakistan has been shedding innocent blood through its proxy terrorist outfits. “Time did not erase the pain of loss. Invisible scars on their souls can be felt, and the mute eyes are witness to many unfulfilled dreams,” LG Sinha stated.
He paid heartfelt tributes to the civilian martyrs and saluted the courage and perseverance of the victim families.
“The long wait for justice and healing is finally over. The affected families have come forward and exposed the true face of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and its sympathizers,” he said.
LG Sinha shared several personal stories from families whose lives were devastated by terrorism:
- On June 29, 2004, Abdul Majid from Sheikhpura, Baramulla, was kidnapped and brutally killed by terrorists. His family received only ₹1 lakh ex-gratia under the SRE scheme. Today, justice has been served by appointing his son Mudasir Majid to a government post.
- Suhail Majeed from Anantnag waited 31 years for justice. His father Abdul Majeed Wani was shot dead on August 30, 1994. Today, Suhail received his appointment letter.
- SPO Manzoor Ahmad Rather of Warpora, Baramulla, was killed on February 24, 2000. For 25 years, his family received no compensation. Today, his son Khurshid Ahmad Rather was handed over a job letter.
- Parvez Ahmad Dar lost both his father and brother to terrorism—his father Ghulam Qadir Dar was killed in 1996 and his brother Aijaz Ahmad Dar in 2004. After nearly three decades, Parvez finally received justice.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized,
“The void in the lives of terror victim families cannot be filled with money or jobs alone, but we will ensure they live with dignity. We will do everything possible for their rehabilitation.”
He firmly stated,
“It is my promise to the families that the perpetrators of such heinous crimes will receive exemplary punishment. Those who sympathize with terrorists will also face the harshest consequences.”
LG Sinha added,
“I assure every family of civilian martyrs that I will not rest until justice is served to all. The dreams of your father or mother will now be fulfilled.”
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also reflected on the transformation of Jammu & Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.
He said,
“Because of Article 370, terrorism had flourished and the terror ecosystem had gained strength. But on August 5, 2019, the dismantling of that system began.”
“A new Jammu & Kashmir was born—one with dreams of a golden future, where every citizen is treated equally, and decades of discrimination were ended.”
Answering what “New Jammu & Kashmir” means, the LG stated:
“The new J&K is one where jobs are not given to terrorists but to real martyrs. Where tears are not shed for terrorists but are wiped from the eyes of common Kashmiris.”
“The new J&K is one where terrorist sympathizers embedded in the system are being removed, and long-standing wounds of victim families are being healed.”
“The new J&K is one where separatists are not embraced, but common Kashmiris are. Where children hold pens in their hands, not stones.”
Calling upon society to rise against terrorism, the LG said:
“Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has drawn a clear redline against terrorism. If a state adopts terrorism as policy, it will face visible and forceful consequences.”
He stressed,
“Peace is the foundation of progress. There is no place for terrorism in a civilized society. Many generations of J&K have suffered. We must all take a pledge to never allow such suffering again.”
He praised the administration and police for handling the grievances of terror victim families with sincerity and sensitivity.
Following major events on July 13 in Baramulla and July 28 in Jammu, today’s event marks another milestone in the government’s mission to deliver justice to terror victims.
Today, a total of 158 appointment letters were distributed. The remaining eligible families will receive their letters at district headquarters in coming days. The process will continue until every genuine case is addressed.
The J&K administration has also launched a dedicated web portal to streamline and accelerate support for terror victims. Helplines have been set up at district and divisional levels to assist affected families.
Prominent officials present included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Commissioner Secretary GAD M Raju, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, senior officers of civil and police administration, and families of victims.
