Yogesh
Jammu, Jul 28 : In a historic milestone for families of terror victims, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday handed over appointment letters to the next of kin (NoK) of civilians who lost their lives in terror-related incidents.
The ceremony, according to the news agency, took place at the Convention Centre here and marks a crucial step toward delivering justice and rehabilitation to those who have endured decades of pain and neglect due to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
For over twenty years, these families have lived in the shadow of grief, their voices silenced and their stories untold. Many victims expressed that after losing loved ones, they lost hope of receiving any relief from the government, as their files remained unattended in indifferent offices. However, the LG administration has emerged as a beacon of hope, helping to heal the wounds of loss.
Satish Singh from Ramban, whose father, Special Police Officer (SPO) Brij Nath, was killed by terrorists in 2003, highlighted the neglect faced by families like theirs.
“My father was killed by terrorists. The government at the time assured us compensation and a job, but no one ever cared to follow up on our pain. For over two decades, the authorities neglected us while terrorists thrived,” he said. “Today is an important day for us, as the LG administration has delivered justice.”
Similarly, Nazia Kousar from Poonch, whose father, Mohammad Nisar, was gunned down by terrorists in 2001, shared her ordeal. “After my father’s killing, our family faced many hardships. My mother struggled to raise my siblings, and we were promised a compensatory job, but we received no help. Today, I commend the LG administration for supporting families like ours,” she said.
Sheetal Sen from Kishtwar recounted her long struggle to secure employment after her brother, Hansraj, was killed in 2001. “Since then, I have been running from pillar to post for a job, only to be turned away repeatedly. But LG Manoj Sinha acknowledged our hardships and has now provided me a job in the health department,” she said.
The distribution of appointment letters represents not just a policy decision but a moral commitment to right past wrongs and empower those affected by terrorism, said an official in the LG administration.
“This initiative forms part of a broader effort by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to dismantle the terror ecosystem while ensuring justice, employment, and recognition for victims’ families,” he said.
Expressing gratitude, Balbir Singh from Rajouri, whose father Rashpal Singh was beheaded by terrorists in 2001, said, “None of us believed that this day would come when we would receive compensation. The LG administration has recognised our sacrifices and addressed our 20-year-old issues within just ten days. Despite facing rejection and hurdles for two decades, we are thankful that our voices have finally been heard.”
Addressing the gathering, LG Sinha reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting terror-affected families. “Eligible individuals will be given government jobs. Those who have not received financial assistance will be provided with it. In cases where FIRs were not lodged or properties confiscated, FIRs will be filed, inquiries conducted, and properties returned,” he assured.
He said the administration is committed to correcting historical injustices. “For nearly three decades, conflict entrepreneurs spread false narratives, portraying terrorists as victims and India as the aggressor. That narrative has now been dismantled. We are identifying those who supported terrorism and removing them from government positions. Justice belongs to the true victims,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor underscored the policy’s core principle: “We do not believe in buying peace, but in establishing it. Innocent people must be protected, and the guilty must be held accountable.”
The families expressed profound gratitude to LG Sinha and his administration for acknowledging their pain and fulfilling their promises of justice. They said the initiative not only provides economic stability through employment but also restores dignity to those who suffered in silence.
As one victim’s kin remarked, “This is not just policy; it is a watershed moment in justice.”
