Srinagar, June 29 : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha met with over 80 families of Kashmiri civilians killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists over the past three decades. The meeting, held in Srinagar, marked a long-overdue recognition of the thousands of innocent lives lost to terrorism in the Kashmir Valley.
“For decades, these families were marginalised, their pain silenced, and their voices unheard. Now, they are speaking out, and the truth is being told,” said the Lieutenant Governor while addressing the families, many of whom came from South Kashmir.
He bowed to the victims’ families in a powerful show of respect and paid heartfelt tributes to the common citizens who were killed in brutal terror attacks. Many of these victims never received official recognition, and in most cases, even basic legal steps like the filing of FIRs were not taken.
The initiative is being supported by Save Youth, Save Future Foundation, a non-profit organisation working to document and support families affected by terrorism. Since 1990, over 40,000 people including civilians, children, and security personnel—have lost their lives in Kashmir due to terrorism.
According to KNS, LG Sinha announced a series of important measures to support the families. FIRs will now be registered in all unreported cases of civilian killings by terrorists. Encroached land and property belonging to terror victim families will be reclaimed from separatist sympathisers. He also said eligible family members should submit their details to the concerned Deputy Commissioners and assured that government job appointments will be processed within a month. Additionally, families will be given financial support and assistance to start their own businesses.
He strongly condemned the past practice of glorifying terrorists, revealing that before 2019, even funeral processions for terrorists were allowed, while the real victims, common Kashmiris, were ignored and forgotten.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“This is a new chapter. Those who tried to glorify terrorists and hide their crimes will no longer succeed. The truth about Pakistan’s role in spreading bloodshed is now coming out,” he said.
The families present at the event bravely shared their stories, many for the first time. They spoke about the pain of losing loved ones and the added trauma of being silenced by separatist propaganda and threats. They also called out the false narratives that portrayed Pakistani terrorists as victims, while ignoring the suffering of ordinary Kashmiris.
The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the stark contrast between India and Pakistan today. “Pakistan is now counted as the biggest beggar in the world. Meanwhile, India has become the fourth-largest economy, and our youth are leading the way in innovation and entrepreneurship. Pakistan, on the other hand, sends its youth to terror training camps to kill common Kashmiris,” he said.
He added that Operation Sindoor, a mission to honour the victims of terrorism and dismantle terror networks, is part of this broader effort to restore justice and dignity to the affected families.
Underlining the government’s commitment, he said, “We will not let terror win. The real culprits, whether hiding in Pakistan or within Jammu and Kashmir, will face the harshest punishment.”
He also called upon society to stand up against the “masked elements” who continue to support terrorism from the shadows. “We must break the silence and speak up against those committing atrocities,” he urged. (KNS)
