JK on Path of Peace and Growth, Terror Will Not Succeed: LG Sinha

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the Centre is committed to implementing new initiatives in the Union Territory with full vigour, emphasising that the security forces are firmly established and have played a key role in driving positive transformation.

Addressing an event at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the LG said that despite Pakistan’s persistent efforts to create unrest, Jammu and Kashmir continues to thrive.

He said that over the past 4–5 years, particularly after 2019, the region has emerged from a turbulent past, with changes visible and widely acknowledged.

Highlighting growth in the tourism sector, the LG said the number of visitors has increased significantly in recent years. “Around 24 million tourists visited Kashmir by 2024—a figure much higher than before August 5, 2019,” he said.

LG Sinha spoke about the revival of traditional tourism circuits and the promotion of newer segments such as adventure and border tourism. He said technological progress has strengthened digital engagement between tourists and the Union Ministry of Tourism, helping extend tourism’s reach across Jammu and Kashmir.

He also noted that Jammu and Kashmir hosted the G20 Tourism Working Group meetings, which elevated the region’s profile on the global stage.

Sinha underscored the Prime Minister’s focus on attracting investment in infrastructure and improving management systems to enhance the overall tourism experience.

The LG praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their resilience amid these changes and attempts by Pakistan to destabilise the region.

He said there has been no opposition to this progress and noted that recent protests following the Pahalgam terror attack reflected the people’s firm commitment to peace and unity. “Despite Pakistan’s attempts to disrupt regional stability, the bond between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India remains strong. Even after the loss of innocent lives in the past, people remain determined to move forward,” he said. (KNO)