Terrorism has destroyed aspirations of Kashmiri youth: J-K LG Sinha

Condemning the loss of lives in the car bombing near the Red Fort in Delhi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday stressed that terrorism has devastated the youth of Jammu and Kashmir for three decades and destroyed their dreams and aspirations.

Addressing the valedictory session of Foundation Day Celebrations of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST) at Awantipura in Kashmir, he expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the car blast on 10 November.

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“Terrorism is the biggest threat to peace and development and also weakens the bonds of brotherhood and unity among the people,” LG said.

Referring to Pakistan, he said, “However, our neighbouring country and some of their terrorist elements sitting here are trying to disrupt progress. We must be vigilant against such ecosystems and work together to foil their efforts. Jammu Kashmir has created its new destiny, a new identity and woven new dreams. This must be protected at all cost and those trying to shatter the dreams of our youth must be strictly dealt with.”

Calling for collective responsibility, the LG appealed to citizens to help security agencies by reporting “unsocial elements” and suspicious activities. “It is the duty of the public to inform the security forces about the unsocial elements in the state,” he said.

Sinha also warned that those behind such acts will not be allowed to go scot-free and reiterated the administration’s commitment to protect citizens and preserve peace and development across the Union Territory.

He underscored the gains of recent years, saying that Jammu & Kashmir has experienced significant peace in the last five to six years and that the number of peace stakeholders in the region has increased. “You have made a new identity. You have fulfilled your dreams. You have kept them alive. You have kept this environment alive. This includes the security forces, police, administration and society,” he added.

The LG highlighted the transformation of IUST since 2021 and significant milestones achieved by the University in enrolment, startups incubation, sustainability, research and innovation.

“Academic programmes increased from 41 to 90 between 2021 and 2025, offering interdisciplinary and cutting-edge courses like AI, Robotics, Design Your Own Degree, Space Technology, Data Sciences, Apprenticeship based UG level Skill courses.

Applications in multiple disciplines are up from 3,000 in 2021 to 7,600 in 2025, with increased diversity from across J&K and beyond,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said that before 2021, external funding of IUST for research was merely Rs. 2 crore annually. In 4 years, more than Rs.69 crore external funding was achieved for research.

“From a ‘zero’ start-up in 2021, the University has grown to incubate 93 start-ups in the last four years, hosted over 225 incubates, and nurtured award-winning innovations in renewable energy, healthcare, and IT.

Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST and Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, were among those present.