Should the Punishment for Terrorists & Sympathizers Be the Same? J&K L-G Speaks Out

Synopsis
In a striking address, Jammu and Kashmir's Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha, argues for equal punishment for terrorists and their supporters. His call to action aims to unify society against the terror ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to combat terrorism and promote national unity. Discover how this approach could reshape the region's future.
Key Takeaways
- Equal punishment for terrorists and sympathizers is crucial.
- Operation Sindoor avenged innocent lives.
- Unity across communities is essential.
- The terror ecosystem includes terrorists, OGWs, and sympathizers.
- A holistic approach is necessary to combat terrorism.
Srinagar, May 25 (NationPress) The Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, emphasized that the penalties for both terrorists and their sympathizers should be equal. While inaugurating a guesthouse at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on Saturday, he urged the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir to eliminate elements that support and harbor terrorists.
"It is essential to effectively combat the terror ecosystem. Those who assist terrorists must be identified and face the same consequences as the terrorists themselves for harming the essence of Jammu and Kashmir," he stated.
He highlighted that Operation Sindoor avenged the killings of innocent civilians and retaliated against the terrorist state of Pakistan. This, he stated, has reinforced a stringent stance against terrorism. Our courageous armed forces have not only dismantled terror infrastructure within Pakistan but have also established a new threshold for response; any terror assault will now be viewed as an act of war, warranting severe reprisals from Pakistan.
Furthermore, L-G Sinha remarked on the historic protests witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. "The Valley resounded with cries against terrorism," he said.
The Lt. Governor called for united endeavors to nurture the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' and enhance communal harmony.
"I urge those in influential roles within Jammu and Kashmir to cease using labels such as local and non-local. We are all Indians. Let’s stop fragmenting Indians into locals and outsiders. You should strive to unify the populace to elevate Jammu and Kashmir towards greater development," he counseled.
It is noteworthy that among previous governors and Lt. Governors, Manoj Sinha is the first constitutional leader of Jammu and Kashmir advocating for a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism.
He consistently speaks about dismantling the terror ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, rather than merely counting the number of terrorists eliminated. According to Sinha, the nation's battle is against the terror ecosystem, which encompasses terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers.
The three facets of terrorism are interconnected, and one cannot be eradicated without addressing the other two.
In each security review meeting he leads, Manoj Sinha consistently emphasizes tackling the terror ecosystem as a fundamental issue, with its branches being terrorists, OGWs, and sympathizers.