Govt resolute in securing justice for terror victims: LG Sinha

Srinagar, Mar 15: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday said that the government was resolute in securing justice for every terror victim’s family.

Handing over appointment letters to 27 Next of Kin (NoK) of victims of terrorism, at Lok Bhavan Srinagar, LG Sinha reiterated his resolve to secure justice for every terror victim’s family.

He said that pending cases would be reopened to hold perpetrators accountable.

Appointment letters were also handed over to 22 NoK of deceased government employees, under Jammu and Kashmir Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme-2022 and SRO 43.

Paying homage to the killed civilians, the LG said that for decades, NoK of poor and vulnerable felled by terrorists’ bullets, had clung to the hope of redress.

He said the campaign launched from Baramulla last year had provided these families with support, courage, and renewed self-belief.

“Our campaign to deliver justice to terror victims’ families has restored their tomorrow. We have succeeded in dispelling the shadow of injustice and ushering a new dawn of justice at doorsteps of terror victims’ families. To date, around 400 NoK have received employment and will continue relentlessly until we reach the very last family still awaiting justice,” LG Sinha said.

He said that it was not merely an administrative exercise of signing papers, shuffling files, or filling posts but a profound commitment to justice.

“My aim throughout this process is to ensure that no terror-affected family slipped into the cracks of neglect, fading from public and official gaze. I view these appointment letters as true justice and today’s event stands as its living testament,” the LG said.

He said that under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, important initiatives were taken over the past five to six years with a singular, overarching goal to forge a J&K undefined by the pains of its past, but brimming with self-confidence.

“In August 2020, I had set this vision-to develop a J&K that measures its strength by the heights of its dreams, and to build a system rooted in social justice, dignity, and equal opportunity,” LG Sinha said.

He directed the Principal Secretary Home to conduct a comprehensive review of the cases pertaining to property encroachment of victims of terrorism.

“I have repeatedly affirmed that lands or homes forcibly seized from terror-affected families will be liberated and returned, and cases yet to undergo investigation will receive impartial, transparent probes,” the LG said.

He said that the administration was committed to the rehabilitation of those left scarred by terror.

“There are many victims of terrorism who have lost their eyesight or are living with severe disabilities. We will chalk out a robust framework for their rehabilitation. The administration has also outlined a timeline for providing essential housing and other support to the victims of terrorism,” LG Sinha said.

He called upon people to preserve the unity and foil the efforts of separatist elements.

“Adhering to the PM’s mantra of ‘zero tolerance towards terrorism’, the administration, Police, and security forces are taking decisive action to dismantle terror networks. We must remain vigilant against divisive elements attempting to divide us along sectarian lines. We are Indians and our collective duty is the peace and progress of our nation. Officials and citizens must also work together to strengthen faith in our government institutions,” the LG said.

He also handed over the appointment letter, on compassionate ground, to Shabeena Bashir, wife of Constable (Photographer) Javid Mansoor Rather, of Crime Branch J&K Police, who was killed in Nowgam’s accidental blast.

LG Sinha assured all possible assistance and support from the Administration to the bereaved family.

Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti; Principal Secretary to LG, Mandeep K Bhandari;  Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department, M Raju; IGP Kashmir, V K Birdi; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Akshay Labroo; SSP Srinagar, G V Sundeep Chakravarthy; Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation, Wajahat Farooq Bhat and other members of the foundation, senior officials, members of various social organisations, and family members of victims of terrorism were also present on the occassion.