New dawn has begun in J&K, Operation Sindoor continues: LG Sinha

1.61 crore tourists visited J&K last year despite Pahalgam terror attack, floods: LG

28/01/2026

JAMMU, Jan 27: Asserting that a new dawn has begun in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that with Operation Sindoor continuing and the Indus Water Treaty suspended, India's water resources will now be utilised for its own requirements.
Addressing the 77th Republic Day function at Maulana Azad Stadium here, Sinha assured people that the government would thoroughly examine every case linked to terrorism and the guilty would face the strictest punishment.
The lieutenant governor unfurled the tricolour, inspected the Republic Day parade contingents and took the ceremonial salute.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was the chief guest at the function, which was also attended by National Conference president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, Speaker of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather and senior BJP leaders, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma.
Senior police, army, paramilitary and civil officers, including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, were present at the over two-and-a-half-hour event.
Earlier, the lieutenant governor laid a wreath at the Police Martyrs Memorial and Balidan Stambh. He paid tribute to the valiant martyrs of the Police, Army, and Central Armed Police Forces, who made the supreme sacrifice for the country.
Extending greetings to people on the occasion, Sinha said it is a moment to renew the collective commitment to democratic ideals.
He expressed gratitude to all members of the armed forces, police, paramilitary units and civil administration, who upheld the nation's pride through their duty, dedication and bravery during Operation Sindoor in May last year, when the Indian armed forces struck terror infrastructure in Pakistan in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
"Operation Sindoor emerged as a defining moment in India's national security doctrine. India made it unequivocally clear that any terrorist attack on its soil would be treated as an act of war. Operation Sindoor was not merely a military action; it was a declaration of India's strategic resolve," the lieutenant governor said.
"We struck at the heart of the enemy, dismantled their terror infrastructure, exposed the hollowness of nuclear threats, and reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to protecting national sovereignty. India conveyed to the world that every act of terrorism and every attempt to support it will be met with a decisive response," he said.
He said India has firmly drawn a new line. The success of Operation Sindoor has instilled renewed confidence among citizens that India's brave soldiers remain vigilant and fully committed to their protection.
"At the same time, it has sent a clear signal to the international community that India's actions are rational, restrained, and rooted in its legitimate right to self-defence. Whether terrorist networks operate across the border or within it, they will be completely neutralised. Operation Sindoor continues, with every hostile move being closely monitored," he said.
As part of non-kinetic measures, Sinha said, India has terminated the Indus Water Treaty, delivering a strong message that bloodshed and cooperation cannot coexist. "India's water resources will now be utilised for India's development."
He also paid tribute to all civilians who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terrorist attack and commended the security personnel who, through Operation Mahadev, eliminated the three Pakistani terrorists involved in the attack and upheld the dignity of the country's "mothers and sisters".
He also appreciated the police for uncovering a nationwide terror network last November and preventing several attacks in time.
"The debt owed to those who secured peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir with their blood can never be repaid," he said.
Sinha said a new dawn has begun in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Employment is being provided not to those associated with terrorism, but to families who have suffered because of it. Decades of suppressed pain and tears are finally getting wiped out. I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that we will examine every case linked to terrorism thoroughly, conduct fresh investigations, and give the strictest punishment to the guilty," Sinha said.
He also paid tribute to the citizens who lost their lives in last year's natural disaster and said that, along with government assistance, corporate entities and voluntary organisations extended support to ensure swift relief to affected families.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is fully committed to their complete rehabilitation," he said.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 1.61 crore tourist visits in 2025 up to November, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said on Monday, commending government efforts to revive tourism after the Pahalgam terror attack in April and floods in August-September.
He said Jammu and Kashmir is among the fastest-growing regions in the country, with its economy estimated to grow by 11 per cent at current prices, driven by sustained government initiatives and strategic policy interventions.
Addressing the main Republic Day function here, the L-G said tourism sector occupies a pivotal position in the economy of the Union territory and was granted the status of an industry in 2020 to attract greater investment.
"Known as the 'Paradise on Earth', Jammu and Kashmir recorded 1.61 crore tourist visits in 2025 up to November. While this figure is lower than last year's 2.36 crore visits (a 32 per cent decline), considering the adverse impact of the Pahalgam incident in April and subsequent floods, sustained and focused efforts of the government have yielded encouraging and resilient outcomes," Sinha said.
He said the government is making sustained efforts to develop world-class tourist destinations, with financial support from the Union tourism ministry and external funding agencies.
"With a vision to explore and unlock new tourism potential, nine new tourist destinations have been identified, and projects are being prepared to develop these sites in accordance with international standards," Sinha said.
He said the Kashmir Marathon is being developed as a flagship initiative for sports tourism and destination branding, projecting Kashmir as a global hub for sports and wellness tourism.
"The participation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah further reinforced confidence, unity, and projected Kashmir's image as a safe, open, and welcoming destination. The maiden edition of the Jammu Marathon has been formally launched and is scheduled for March," the L-G said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir's economy is estimated to register a growth rate of 11 percent at current prices. "The Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of the Union territory is estimated at Rs 2,62,458 crore for 2024-25, up from Rs 2,36,059 crore in 2023-24. This positive trajectory underscores the effectiveness of ongoing economic development strategies, infrastructure expansion, and business-friendly policies," he said.
He said an industrial transformation is underway in Jammu and Kashmir. "Since 2020, 2,227 industrial units in the organised sector, involving an investment of Rs 15,940 crore and generating employment for 73,827 persons, have commenced production.
"Additionally, 1,028 units with a proposed investment of Rs 27,613 crore have initiated groundwork, of which 396 units, with an investment of Rs 9,949 crore, are expected to commence production by March," the L-G said.
He said claims worth Rs 805 crore have been approved under the New Central Sector Scheme. Further, 1,316 Jammu and Kashmir-based startups have been registered on the DPIIT (Startup India) portal, including 471 women-led startups, reflecting growing entrepreneurial momentum and national recognition.
Sinha said the Jammu and Kashmir administration remains committed to the resettlement and welfare of Kashmiri migrant families.
A total of 6,000 flats have been sanctioned for Kashmiri migrant employees working in the Valley, against which 3,736 flats have been completed and 3,250 allotted to eligible migrant families. The remaining flats are scheduled for completion by March," he said, adding that efforts have been made to extend the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT health insurance scheme to migrant families, with more than 1,200 families registered so far.
The L-G called upon people of all generations to come together and actively support the government in building the Jammu and Kashmir where youth have equal opportunities, where women-led development drives economic growth and social stability, and where unity, peace, and commitment guides citizens towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
"I assure every citizen that this government, with firm resolve, will continue to create and pursue meaningful opportunities for all, enabling every individual to shape their own destiny and realise new aspirations," he added.

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