Srinagar, May 24 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday urged the public to play an active role in eliminating elements that aid and abet terrorism, and help bring those hiding among civilians to justice. He also urged for full support in accelerating infrastructure and development projects to meet the aspirations and needs of the people.
He was speaking at a function after laying the foundation stone of a Guest House at Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the people to ensure that we rid the society of elements aiding and abetting terrorists, bring the terror elements hiding among the public to justice and the infrastructure and other projects must be given a new impetus to meet the developmental needs of the people.
Paying homage to the innocent civilians killed by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists in Pahalgam, the Lieutenant Governor said 'Operation Sindoor' avenged the Pahalgam terror attack by punishing terror state Pakistan and firmly enforced India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
He said, the brave soldiers of our armed forces have not only destroyed the terror factories deep inside Pakistan but have also drawn a new red line.
“Now any terror attack will be considered an 'act of war' and Pakistan will be given the harshest punishment for it," he further added.
“We need to strike hard at the terror ecosystem. The aides of terrorists should be identified and they should be given the same punishment as a terrorist for inflicting wounds on the soul of J&K.
"After the terror attack in Pahalgam, the kind of protests that were seen on the J&K's streets against the terrorist country Pakistan were historic. The valley echoed with slogans against terrorism,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also called for collective efforts to foster the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and promote unity across the diverse communities.
He said statements like the "guests are spoiling the culture of J&K" or "demographic invasion" are truly problematic and the public should oppose such statements.
“I appeal to those in positions of responsibility in Jammu Kashmir to stop using the phrase like local and non-local. We all are Indians. Stop dividing Indians into local and outsiders. You should work to unite people so that a united society can take Jammu Kashmir to the greater heights of growth,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
UNI MJR RN