Families of terror victims finally getting justice: L-G

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that families of terror victims, who were left to struggle in silence for decades, are now finally being recognised and rehabilitated by the government.

“Terror victim families were left to struggle in silence for decades. Justice was denied to them, and the deep scars they carry were never healed. Such families are now being recognised, respected and rehabilitated. Providing jobs to the real victims of terror and true martyrs reflects the nation’s commitment to stand with them through concrete action,” the Lt Governor said while handing over appointment letters to 41 next of kin (NoKs) of terrorism victims in the Jammu division.

Sinha cautioned against certain elements from the “dying terror ecosystem” who, he said, were attempting to spread misinformation and negative narratives against the country. He warned that stringent action would be taken against such individuals under the law. “Those who are fanning separatism and threatening national unity will face action as per the established legal framework,” he said.

Declaring that the era of misgovernance was over, the Lt Governor added, “We have not bought peace, but established peace. Now, terrorists, separatists and their patrons are not given government jobs. Instead, they are being identified and given the harshest punishment for their deeds.”

In addition to the 41 appointment letters, 22 beneficiaries received letters under age relaxation cases and 19 wards of J&K Police martyrs were appointed under Compassionate Appointment Rules (SRO-43) and the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS).

Earlier, on July 28, the Lt Governor had handed over appointment letters to 94 NoKs of terror victims from the Jammu division. In total, 135 terror-affected families from the region—long denied justice—have now received relief.

Families of the terror victims spoke about their experiences, recounting decades of fear, hardship and the brutality of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and its local sympathisers.

Reiterating his commitment to restoring dignity and economic security to affected families, Sinha said, “Our mission is to transform the lives of those who were deliberately deprived of justice so that they can contribute to society’s progress and nation-building. With today’s appointments—41 terror victim families, 22 age relaxation cases and 19 wards of J&K Police martyrs—we have fulfilled our commitment.”

The Lt Governor recalled the tragic incident of June 28, 2005, in which Dharam Singh of Kotranka, Rajouri, and four others were brutally killed by terrorists. “For two decades, Dharam Singh’s son Naseeb Singh and his family lived in misery and fear. Today marks a new dawn of hope for them,” he said.

Sinha also mentioned other cases, including that of Akhtar Hussain of Reasi, who was shot dead by terrorists on July 13, 2005, leaving his family in deep distress for years. Another victim, SPO Sanjeet Kumar, was murdered along with his friend on November 15, 2004, in Balan Tundwa, Kishtwar, while preparing for a neighbour’s wedding. “These families carried the weight of unspeakable grief. This new beginning will allow them to rebuild their lives with dignity,” he added.