Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday emphasized that peace is a prerequisite for development, noting that progress cannot occur in the presence of terrorism.
Addressing the 4th CII Northern Regional Council Meeting here, Sinha said, “Terrorism is one of the biggest challenges facing the country, and its elimination remains a top priority.” He highlighted that terrorism has now significantly declined and is confined to a few areas.
“The terrorism in the northeast is now limited and dying out. Whether it is left-wing extremism or Naxalism, the earlier goal of creating a Nepal-style guerrilla movement is now restricted to only a few districts,” he added. Sinha expressed confidence that the country will eliminate Naxalism within the next three to four months.
Acknowledging that radicalization-driven terrorism still exists in some areas of Karnataka, Kerala, and Jammu and Kashmir, he reiterated, “There can be no development where terrorism exists. Peace is the foundation for progress.”
Stressing that establishing peace is not solely the responsibility of security forces and the administration, the lieutenant governor urged society at large to play its part. “When narratives that weaken the nation are created, they foster division and hostility,” he said.
He also called upon the valley’s industrialists to take responsibility. “If you remain silent spectators, your businesses will face losses,” Sinha warned.
