Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday described August 5, 2019, as a “constitutional correction” and a “new beginning” for Jammu and Kashmir, saying the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A ended discriminatory provisions and laid the foundation for equal rights, development and peace in the Union Territory.
Speaking at a function where he handed over appointment letters to 37 next of kin (NoKs) of civilians killed by terrorists, Sinha said the transformation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir over the past seven years was rooted in the constitutional changes introduced on August 5, 2019.
“The transformation we witness today in Jammu Kashmir is due to the historic changes of August 5, 2019. That day marked a constitutional correction and a new beginning for the Union Territory. Discriminatory barriers were removed, equal rights were extended to those who were suffering due to discriminatory laws,” Sinha said.
‘One Nation, One Flag, One Constitution’
The Lieutenant Governor said the full implementation of the Constitution had ensured the principle of “one nation, one flag, one Constitution” while extending dignity, justice and equal opportunities to all citizens.
According to Sinha, the administration has also significantly weakened the terror ecosystem since the constitutional changes by strengthening law and order and creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.
“After August 5, 2019, we have dismantled the terror ecosystem to a large extent, strengthened law and order, restored equal rights and created opportunities that allow families to rebuild their lives with confidence,” he said.
Sinha said marginalised communities, tribal groups, displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Chhamb, and refugees had received constitutional rights, including full citizenship, voting rights and property ownership.
LG Highlights Investment and Infrastructure Growth
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted industrial investment, airport expansion, railway connectivity, higher education and entrepreneurship as areas where Jammu and Kashmir had recorded progress.
He said investment in Jammu and Kashmir reached ₹5,824 crore during 2025-26, nearly 13 times the average investment recorded before 2021.
According to Sinha, expansion of airport infrastructure and railway connectivity was further accelerating economic activity and development across the Union Territory.
‘People Have Chosen Peace Over Violence’
Turning to the security situation, Sinha said attempts by Pakistan-backed terror networks to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir had been thwarted following the constitutional changes.
“The people of Jammu Kashmir have chosen peace over violence, education over indoctrination, jobs over dependency and dignity over despair. The young generation deserves a future free of fear and that is the future we are building together under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor described providing justice to families affected by terrorism as a national obligation and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring compassionate appointments for all eligible families of civilians killed in terrorist incidents.
Speaking to reporters after the event, Sinha said other eligible cases were being processed and assured that no qualifying family would be excluded under the existing policy.
LG Responds to Article 370 Protests
Sinha was also asked about protests by the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party demanding the restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
The Lieutenant Governor responded that he had not noticed any such demonstrations.
“I did not see any (protest). If I see, I will talk to you,” Sinha told reporters.
