Srinagar, 2 April – Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced today that there is no longer a need for the United Nations Office in Srinagar, citing significant improvements in the region’s conditions. However, he clarified that the final decision regarding the UN office lies with the Ministry of External Affairs.
In an interview with a national news channel, Sinha was asked about the relevance of the UN office, especially as the focus has shifted from Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). He stated, “The issue is not in my domain. The External Affairs Ministry will be in a better position to decide. But there is no need for the UN office now in Srinagar.”
Sinha emphasized that the priority for Jammu and Kashmir before the establishment of an elected government is peace, development, investment, and employment. He expressed optimism that if the elected government shares this agenda, there will be no conflicts between the two administrations.
When asked to evaluate the performance of the previous Omar Abdullah-led government, Sinha noted that four months is too short a time for a fair assessment but mentioned that he has a good working relationship with the current administration.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the clearly defined powers of both the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. He stated, “Together, we can drive Jammu and Kashmir towards greater development.” Sinha pointed out that over the past five to six years, the region’s economy has doubled, per capita income has increased, and Jammu and Kashmir Bank has turned around from a loss of Rs 1,200 crore to a profit of Rs 1,700 crore.
Sinha also announced the upcoming inauguration of the Kashmir train service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a significant step for the region’s connectivity and development.
Regarding the return of Kashmiri Pandits, Sinha mentioned that most of their issues have been addressed and expressed hope that they would return when peace is fully restored. “Hopefully, we will soon see the day when Kashmiri Pandits live peacefully in their homes in the Valley,” he said.
Rejecting claims from some politicians that peace in Kashmir has been “forced,” Sinha pointed to the resurgence of Bollywood and Hollywood film shoots, successful Muharram processions, thriving cinema halls, booming tourism, and increasing industrial investments as evidence of genuine stability.
“The Government of India is committed to establishing permanent peace in Jammu and Kashmir, and significant success has been achieved over the past five years. Stone-pelting is history, businesses are flourishing, schools and colleges are operating normally, and the youth have aspirations similar to the rest of the country,” he asserted.
Sinha remarked that whenever peace is restored in Jammu and Kashmir, “the neighbour feels the pain,” hinting at Pakistan’s discomfort with the region’s progress. He noted that the peaceful conduct of Lok Sabha and Assembly elections has been appreciated both nationally and internationally, which has not been well-received by adversaries. He also revealed that no top terrorist commanders are currently active in the region, and local terrorist recruitment is at its lowest level. “People now walk along the banks of the Jhelum River late at night, a clear sign of normality,” he said, attributing this transformation to the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the entire government.
When asked about the opposition from PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti regarding the termination of government employees allegedly linked to anti-national activities, Sinha stated that the process will continue after proper identification and preparation of dossiers. He defended the government’s employment policies, asserting that 40,000 jobs have been provided in a transparent and merit-based manner.
