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The shift from a conflict-ridden mindset to one based on justice, development and dignity is not just a policy change; This is a cultural change
Over the years, Sinha has built a reputation for running an administration that is steady, steadfast and emotionally connected to the long-neglected victims of terrorism. (Image: X)
for years, Jammu and Kashmir They experienced a troubling period where those who suffered the most were often ignored by the state. The concept of “healing touch” sounded good on paper but often translated into one-sided accommodation for former militants. Families torn apart by terrorism were left to fend for themselves, while successive governments ignored their plight.
Reality of ‘Healing Touch’ Policy
Introduced in the early 2000s, the Healing Touch policy was aimed at humanitarian outreach to bridge the gap between the government and Kashmiri youth. In practice, it relaxed enforcement against stone-pelters, cut down on security operations and suspended FIRs against those involved in street violence. Rather than assisting civilians, this policy inadvertently strengthened radical networks, weakened the morale of security forces, and allowed terrorist supporters to operate freely. Victims of violence received no such treatment.
‘Return and Rehabilitation’ Policy
The return and rehabilitation scheme of former terrorists aims to re-integrate the youth who had migrated to Pakistan into mainstream life. It offered cash incentives, land, jobs and housing benefits to those who received arms training across the border. Although reunification is not inherently wrong, the policy lacked safeguards and oversight. Many beneficiaries had unverified terrorist backgrounds, and some took advantage of the scheme while maintaining ties with terrorist groups. Meanwhile, families who lost their loved ones due to terrorism continued to wait in vain for justice.
These years left deep scars, both physically and psychologically. The victims were forgotten and an entire ecosystem developed around terrorism, separatism and political convenience.
A different valley after August 2019
The abrogation of Article 370 is not only a constitutional change but also a re-evaluation of the moral framework of governance. The change since then has been evident: victims are no longer invisible, and perpetrators are no longer romanticized. The security grid is more assured, separatist networks have been destroyed, and public life has stabilized. The big change is moral: the state now stands with those who suffered, not with those who inflicted suffering.
A clear principle from the national leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public address in Srinagar, which saw huge attendance from various walks of life, was symbolic of something unseen in decades – people participated without any fear. Modi’s message was simple: The era of shutdowns, coercion and intimidation is over, and the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be shaped by development and dignity. Home Minister Amit Shah reinforced this clarity in several visits. His interactions with victims’ families and security personnel were not formal; He outlined a policy framework where there is zero tolerance for terrorism and victims are given priority. His stance drew a clear line between the old politics of hesitation and the new politics of conviction.
LG Manoj Sinha: Delivering justice on the ground
When Delhi decided the direction, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha converted the intention into action. Over the years, Sinha has built a reputation for running an administration that is steady, steadfast and emotionally connected to the long-neglected victims of terrorism. At Thursday’s appointment ceremony – a quietly historic moment – his remarks reflected the tragedy of the past and the resolve of the present. He began by honoring those killed in terrorist incidents, noting that their families had suffered twice: once at the hands of terrorists, and again due to decades of government indifference. He reminded the audience that 41,949 civilians have been killed since terrorism began – a staggering number that reflects both harm and neglect. Sinha narrated the case of a family in Kotranka whose members were murdered in 2005. For almost twenty years, no government acknowledged their suffering. “Today they finally have jobs,” he said, “a small but mighty correction of decades of injustice.”
“Justice was deliberately denied to these families so that they could not contribute to the development of the country,” he said bluntly, revealing that 82 families received appointment letters today, including 41 families who lost their relatives in terrorist attacks. This is the first administration in decades to place victims at the center of its moral framework.
Invocation of ecosystem – without euphemism
Sinha spoke openly about Pakistan-backed terrorists trying to mislead people with fake stories. He urged those who still cling to the separatist illusion to recognize that the old era is gone. He described a four-tier terror structure – planner, transporter, shooter and sympathizer – noting that some people associated with these networks once got government jobs. That era is over. Sinha rejected claims that “earlier there was peace”, saying those who say so are blindfolded. Bandhs, fear, threats and stone pelting were not peace; He was paralyzed. His message was clear: “In 2025, victims will get jobs. Terrorists will get bullets.”
Towards a fearless Jammu and Kashmir
Sinha said that the victims are speaking openly today because the fear that once prevailed in the valley has ended. Terrorism will be defeated militarily, but the voice of society is needed for moral defeat, he said. His assurance was clear: “There is no need to fear terrorists. The government will no longer tolerate them.” He concluded with a commitment deeply in line with the Prime Minister’s vision: “The administration and the Jammu and Kashmir Police are with you. Rehabilitation of the affected families will be ensured at any cost.”
Democracy regained, fear defeated
The strongest indicator of Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation came last year when the Union Territory witnessed its most peaceful assembly elections in decades, held under the administration of LG Manoj Sinha. There was no bandh, no street violence, no coercion and no fear. And for the first time in a generation, voting day felt like a celebration of democracy. It recorded one of the highest turnouts in the electoral history of Jammu and Kashmir, with people standing in long queues even in areas once dominated by extremist fear. This was not just an election; This was the reclaiming of agency.
A long road, but a new foundation
Jammu and Kashmir still faces challenges: cross-border infiltration, narco-terror funding and propaganda networks. But the foundation laid over the past few years is stronger than anything seen in the region since the post-1990 era. This change is as much psychological as it is administrative. When victims speak out, when citizens vote freely, and when the state prioritizes justice over appeasement, society begins to heal in ways both visible and invisible.
confidence recovery area
The story of Jammu and Kashmir today is not one of overnight miracles, nor does it erase the pain of the past. This is the story of a region that is learning to trust again – to trust in institutions, in fairness, and in its future. The moral architecture built over the last five years has made one thing clear: the destiny of the valley will no longer be decided by those who carry guns, but by those who carry hope.
further promise
The shift from a conflict-ridden mindset to one based on justice, development and dignity is not just a policy change; This is a cultural change. With Manoj Sinha’s stable governance and clarity of national leadership, Jammu and Kashmir now stands at the threshold of renewal. If the past few years are any indication, Jammu and Kashmir’s next chapter will be shaped not by fear, but by aspiration – not by those who silenced the people, but by the people themselves.
Srinagar, India, India
December 11, 2025, 23:45 IST
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