Onlykashmir.in News Desk
New Delhi: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, today firmly stated that his administration does not believe in “buying peace but in establishing it”, as he launched the coffee table book “Reimagining Jammu & Kashmir” by renowned photojournalist Ashish Sharma at an event in New Delhi.
Highlighting the transformational journey of Jammu and Kashmir post-abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, LG Sinha said, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, J&K has regained its identity of ‘Paradise’. Ashish Sharma’s watchful photographic journey captures that transformation.”
Calling the book a visual testimony to the region’s rapid development, LG Sinha added, “This coffee table book is an attempt to present before the nation the transformation that has taken place in Jammu and Kashmir in the last five years.”
Referring to historic milestones, he said, “In the history of J&K, 5 August and 6 June will always be remembered. While the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019 paved the way for J&K’s complete integration, 6 June physically connected Kashmir to Kanyakumari and its citizens’ aspirations with the national mainstream.”
Speaking about peace and security, LG Sinha asserted, “My message from day one was very clear – we do not believe in buying peace but want to establish peace. I had given another vision to the security agencies – do not harass the innocent, do not spare the guilty.”
He emphasized that the administration has achieved notable success in implementing the vision of 4 Ps – Peace, Progress, Prosperity, and People First. “Our infrastructure has transformed at an unprecedented pace and the economy is showing impressive growth,” he said.
Touching upon the revival of social life and civic amenities in Kashmir, the LG remarked, “Nightlife for any city is not just a clock but a symbol of the liveliness, and the cities of Kashmir valley have regained their vibrancy now. Jammu and Kashmir’s relationship with lakes and rivers has been revived after decades.”
He further noted the surge in growth across industries, startups, and the agriculture sectors. “Youth are fulfilling their dreams through entrepreneurship, and around one million have availed the opportunity of self-employment within 4 years. It has been ensured that no section of society is left behind,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor praised the book’s contribution to national awareness, saying, “Books are documents of time, and coffee table books present progress through captivating photographs. We can see J&K is on the move through Ashish’s camera.”
He also warned citizens to stay cautious of misinformation, stating, “People should do their politics but not at the cost of unity and integrity of our great nation.”
The event was attended by former Union Minister of State Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, IGNCA President Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Member Secretary Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Director & Head of Kala Nidhi Prof. Ramesh C. Gaur, and several dignitaries and eminent citizens.
