Srinagar,: In a significant step toward justice and healing, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today handed over appointment letters to 158 Next of Kin (NoKs) of civilians killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. This solemn occasion brought long-awaited closure to families who have silently endured decades of grief and trauma.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to the civilian martyrs and saluted the resilience of their families. “The wounds inflicted by terrorism over the past three decades are finally beginning to heal. Today’s event marks a turning point for families who have suffered in silence for years,” he said.
The families shared their harrowing experiences, highlighting the suffering caused by Pakistan-backed terrorism and the complicity of local sympathisers. The LG reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring justice and dignity for all terror-affected families.
Citing specific cases, the LG recalled the struggles of:
- Abdul Majid Mir’s family (Baramulla), whose son Mudasir Majid received a government job 20 years after his father was killed.
- Suhail Majeed (Anantnag), appointed today after waiting 31 years following his father Abdul Majeed Wani’s death in 1994.
- Khurshid Ahmad Rather, son of SPO Manzoor Ahmad Rather, who received an appointment letter after a 25-year wait.
- Parvez Ahmad Dar, who lost both his father and brother to terrorism, finally received justice 29 years later.
“These jobs cannot replace the loss, but they signify a step toward dignity and support for affected families. My promise to them is that perpetrators of such heinous crimes and their sympathisers will face the harshest punishment,” the LG said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to rehabilitation and justice for terror victims and their families:
“I assure every martyr’s family—your pain will not be ignored, and your dreams will be fulfilled.”
Reflecting on the transformational changes post-abrogation of Article 370, the LG stated that August 5, 2019, marked the birth of a new Jammu and Kashmir—an era of equality, justice, and opportunity.
“Under Article 370, terrorism was emboldened. Its abrogation dismantled the terror ecosystem. The new J&K ensures jobs for the real martyrs, not terrorists; support for victims, not tears for perpetrators,” said the LG.
He emphasized that the new J&K is defined by:
- Support for ordinary citizens over separatists
- Pens in the hands of children—not stones
- A purge of terrorist sympathisers from governance
- A just, secure future for all residents
The LG called upon citizens to stand united against terrorism:
“Peace is essential for progress. Terrorism has no place in a civilized society. We must collectively ensure that future generations are free from the horrors inflicted by cross-border terror.”
Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, he added:
“India has drawn a new redline—terrorism, if used as a state policy, will receive a forceful and visible response.”
He also praised the administration and police officials for addressing victims’ concerns with sensitivity and speed.
The event follows earlier milestones in Baramulla (July 13) and Jammu (July 28), reaffirming the Government of India and UT Administration’s unwavering resolve to deliver justice.
To further streamline support, the J&K Administration has launched a dedicated web portal for relief, compassionate appointments, and assistance to terror-affected families. District and divisional helplines have also been established.
Senior officials present at the event included Chief Secretary Shri Atal Dulloo, DGP Shri Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary (Home) Shri Chandraker Bharti, Commissioner Secretary (GAD) Shri M Raju, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, IGP Kashmir Shri V.K. Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Shri Akshay Labroo, SSP Srinagar Dr. G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, and others.
The remaining appointment letters will be distributed soon at respective district headquarters. The process will continue until every genuine case is addressed.
