Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Saturday, stressed that the society as a whole should come forward to condemn the targeted killings of innocent people by terrorists.

The LG was speaking at the inauguration of an Eklavya Model Residential School and foundation stone laying ceremony for a new tribal youth hostel in south Kashmir’s Kulgam that witnessed several targeted killings in the recent past.

On the recent spate of targeted Killings in Kashmir, the Lt Governor said there can be no sustainable development and prosperity without peace.

A female teacher who played a key role in shaping young lives was killed. If society doesn’t condemn such acts, then we are failing humanity, he added.

Noting that every effort is being made to free the people of J&K from the shackles of terrorism, the Lt Governor observed that the administration has a policy of not touching the innocent and not sparing the culprits. “Targeted killings are aimed at provoking security forces, but I assure the people that no action will be taken against any innocent,” he said.

Sinha informed that projects worth Rs. 39.79 Crore under various tribal schemes are being implemented in Kulgam for the uplift of the tribal community. He highlighted the government’s efforts in empowering all the sections of the society, especially those who were neglected for decades, and making them key partners in J&K’s development journey.

Meanwhile, in an interaction with media persons at Jammu, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale said that the Government of India wants a peaceful and developed J&K and is committed to developing Jammu and Kashmir on all fronts.

He said that after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the gates of development have been opened for Jammu and Kashmir which is evident from the fact that all Centrally sponsored schemes and programmes are now implemented in J&K, be it the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, MUDRA, PM Ujjwala Yojana, Scholarship Schemes for Students, Welfare Schemes for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.

Athawale further said that a hundred percent implementation of so many central schemes in J&K is witness to the fact that Govt. of India is steadfast to provide social stability at all fronts be that housing, livelihood etc to the people of J&K.