A Beacon of Hope: LG Manoj Sinha’s Transformative Efforts in Supporting Terror Victims’ Families in Jammu and Kashmir
Rafiq Bin Hamid || Editorial
10 August 2025
In the heart of Jammu and Kashmir, a region long scarred by the shadow of terrorism, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha has emerged as a symbol of compassion, justice, and transformative governance. His recent initiatives to provide government job appointment letters to the next of kin (NoKs) of civilians killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists mark a historic milestone in the region’s journey toward healing and renewal. By distributing 278 appointment letters across three landmark events in Baramulla, Jammu, and Srinagar in July and August 2025, LG Sinha has not only fulfilled a promise but also set a precedent for empathetic governance that prioritizes the rehabilitation of terror victims’ families. This article delves into the profound benefits and far-reaching impacts of LG Sinha’s efforts, highlighting his positive role, the stories of major affected families, and their heartfelt responses shared with news outlets, which underscore the significance of this initiative in reshaping Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-political landscape.
A Historic Step Toward Justice
LG Manoj Sinha’s initiative began with a commitment made on June 29, 2025, during a meeting with terror victims in Anantnag, where he pledged to reopen cases of those killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists and provide jobs to their NoKs within 30 days. Remarkably, the administration delivered on this promise in just 15 days in Baramulla on July 13, 2025, where 40 appointment letters were distributed. This was followed by 80 letters in Jammu on July 28, covering families from districts such as Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi. The largest event took place in Srinagar on August 5, 2025, coinciding with the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, where LG Sinha handed over 158 appointment letters to NoKs of Kashmiri civilians killed by terrorists.
These events are not mere administrative actions but profound gestures of closure for families who have endured decades of grief. The initiative reflects LG Sinha’s vision of a “new Jammu Kashmir,” where justice is delivered to victims, not perpetrators, and where the wounds of the past are healed with sincerity and sensitivity.
Stories of Major Affected Families
The human impact of LG Sinha’s initiative is best understood through the stories of families who have suffered unimaginable loss. Several families, whose tragedies were highlighted during these events, shared their experiences with news outlets, shedding light on the scale of their suffering and the relief brought by this initiative:
Abdul Majid Mir’s Family (Baramulla): On June 29, 2004, Abdul Majid Mir from Sheikhpura, Baramulla, was kidnapped and brutally murdered by terrorists. His family, left without their sole breadwinner, received only Rs 1 lakh as an ex-gratia payment under the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) scheme and struggled to live with dignity for two decades. On August 5, 2025, LG Sinha handed over a government job appointment letter to Abdul Majid’s son, Mudasir Majid, marking the end of a long ordeal. LG Sinha shared this story, noting, “Today, by providing a government job to his son, Mudasir Majid, the administration has fulfilled its long-overdue responsibility.”
Abdul Majeed Wani’s Family (Anantnag): Abdul Majeed Wani was shot dead by Pakistan-backed terrorists on August 30, 1994. His son, Suhail Majeed, waited 31 years for justice. On August 5, 2025, Suhail received an appointment letter, bringing closure to a family that had been neglected for decades. LG Sinha highlighted this case, stating, “Justice has been finally delivered to Suhail Majeed and his family after 31 years.” Suhail Majeed expressed his gratitude to Kashmir Despatch, saying, “For years, no government cared enough to ask about our pain. Today, LG Sinha has given us hope and a new beginning.”
SPO Manzoor Ahmad Rather’s Family (Baramulla): On February 24, 2000, Special Police Officer (SPO) Manzoor Ahmad Rather from Warpora, Baramulla, was killed by terrorists. His family received no compensation for 25 years, enduring significant hardship. On August 5, 2025, his son, Khurshid Ahmad Rather, received an appointment letter. LG Sinha noted, “For 25 years, his family received no compensation. Today, Khurshid Ahmad Rather has received an appointment letter. The traumatic period for the family is finally over.” Khurshid shared with The Tribune, “This job is not just a livelihood; it’s a recognition of my father’s sacrifice and our family’s struggle.”
Parvez Ahmad Dar’s Family (Baramulla): Parvez Ahmad Dar faced a double tragedy: his father, Ghulam Qadir Dar, was killed by terrorists on July 6, 1996, and his brother, Aijaz Ahmad Dar, was murdered on July 30, 2004. For 29 years, Parvez navigated a painful path to justice. On August 5, 2025, he received an appointment letter, ending decades of suffering. LG Sinha emphasized, “29 years after his father’s death, Parvez’s nightmare is over.” Parvez told Hindustan Times, “This appointment letter is a lifeline for my family. We’ve waited so long for someone to hear our cries.”
Suhail Yousuf Shah’s Family (Kupwara): Suhail Yousuf Shah, who lost his mother and uncle to terrorists in 2002, spoke emotionally at the Baramulla event on July 13, 2025. He told LG Sinha, as reported by The Skandar on X, “No government ever cared enough to ask about our pain. For years, the political leadership in J&K sided with terror, leaving innocent families like mine to suffer in silence.” His words, shared widely, highlighted the neglect faced by many families under previous administrations.
Abida Bano’s Family (Kupwara): Abida Bano, a 15-year-old from Kupwara, was killed in terrorist firing on July 22, 2003, because her family refused to provide information to militants. Her family’s story was shared during the Baramulla event, with a family member telling Times of India, “We were left with nothing after Abida’s death. This job letter is a step toward rebuilding our lives.”
Raja Begum’s Family (Kupwara): Raja Begum lost her husband and three children to terrorists in 1999 simply because the family chose to stay away from conflict. At the Baramulla event, a family member expressed to Times of India, “LG Sinha’s initiative has given us hope after years of despair. We finally feel seen.”
Sheetal Sen’s Family (Kishtwar): Sheetal Sen’s brother, Hansraj, was gunned down by terrorists in Kishtwar in 2001. Sheetal struggled for years to secure a job, facing bureaucratic hurdles. On July 13, 2025, she received an appointment letter in the health department. She told Times of India, “Since then, I have run from pillar to post for a job. I was turned away each time asking to get some document or the other. But LG Manoj Sinha acknowledged our hardship and has given me a job in the health department.”
Sakina Bano’s Family (Kupwara): Sakina Bano’s father was killed in a militant attack in 2002 in Kupwara. She shared with Awaz The Voice, “We struggled for years without any income. This job means a new beginning for our family.”
Arif Hussain’s Family (Anantnag): Arif Hussain’s brother was shot dead by militants in Anantnag. He told Awaz The Voice, “This job is not just employment—it’s justice for my family.”
These families, among others, represent the countless lives torn apart by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Their stories, shared with prominent news outlets like Hindustan Times, Times of India, The Tribune, Awaz The Voice, and Kashmir Despatch, reflect the emotional weight of their losses and the transformative impact of LG Sinha’s initiative.
Benefits of the Initiative
Restoring Dignity and Economic Stability:
The appointment letters provide more than financial security; they restore dignity to families who have suffered immense loss. For instance, Mudasir Majid and Suhail Majeed, who lost their fathers, can now support their families with stable government jobs, ensuring access to benefits and a sense of purpose. This economic stability is a lifeline for families like Parvez Ahmad Dar’s, who faced multiple tragedies.
Breaking the Cycle of Despair:
Terrorism thrives on creating fear and hopelessness. By providing jobs, LG Sinha’s initiative offers hope and opportunity, as seen in the case of Khurshid Ahmad Rather, whose family endured 25 years of neglect. These opportunities empower younger generations to contribute positively, replacing despair with aspiration.
Strengthening Trust in Governance:
The rapid fulfillment of LG Sinha’s 30-day promise in just 15 days in Baramulla demonstrates accountability and responsiveness. The establishment of a dedicated web portal and helplines at district and divisional levels ensures accessibility and transparency, rebuilding trust among families like Sheetal Sen’s, who faced bureaucratic obstacles for years.
Economic and Social Integration:
By integrating NoKs into the government workforce, the initiative promotes social cohesion. Families like Sakina Bano’s and Arif Hussain’s, once marginalized, are now part of the mainstream, contributing to Jammu and Kashmir’s development. This inclusion counters the narrative of alienation exploited by terrorist groups.
A Model for Compassionate Governance:
LG Sinha’s initiative sets a national benchmark for addressing the needs of terror victims. The combination of compassionate appointments, streamlined processes, and a commitment to justice offers a replicable model for other conflict-affected regions, as evidenced by the heartfelt gratitude expressed by families like Raja Begum’s.
Impacts on Jammu and Kashmir’s Socio-Political Landscape
The impact of LG Sinha’s efforts extends beyond individual families to the broader socio-political fabric of Jammu and Kashmir:
Dismantling the Terror Ecosystem:
LG Sinha has linked these efforts to the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which he credits for initiating the dismantling of the terror ecosystem. By prioritizing victims over terrorists, as he stated, “In the new J&K, jobs are not given to terrorists but to the real martyrs,” the administration is shifting the narrative away from glorifying terrorism.
Empowering the Common Kashmiri:
LG Sinha’s vision emphasizes embracing common Kashmiris, not separatists, and ensuring children hold pens, not stones. This is reflected in the stories of beneficiaries like Suhail Yousuf Shah, who criticized past administrations for siding with terror, highlighting the shift toward empowering ordinary citizens.
Healing Decades-Old Wounds:
Families like those of Abdul Majeed Wani and Parvez Ahmad Dar, who waited 31 and 29 years respectively, represent the long-ignored wounds of terrorism. LG Sinha’s initiative, as he noted to The Hindu, provides “a sense of closure to families who have silently suffered trauma for years,” fostering reconciliation and unity.
Boosting Regional Stability:
By addressing the socio-economic needs of terror victims’ families, the initiative contributes to regional stability. Gainfully employed NoKs, like Mudasir Majid and Khurshid Ahmad Rather, are less vulnerable to extremist ideologies, strengthening the social fabric and supporting economic growth.
LG Manoj Sinha’s Positive Role
LG Manoj Sinha’s leadership is characterized by compassion, decisiveness, and a hands-on approach. He personally handed over appointment letters and listened to families’ stories, as seen in his interactions with Suhail Yousuf Shah and others, demonstrating empathy and commitment. His promise to ensure “exemplary punishment” for perpetrators and his personal oversight of the web portal for terror victim support reflect a proactive stance.
LG Sinha’s zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, articulated in his statement to Hindustan Times, “India has drawn a new red line against terrorism, and equal punishment will be given to terrorists and their sponsors,” underscores his resolve to dismantle the terror ecosystem. His ability to deliver on promises, as evidenced by the swift action in Baramulla, and his vision of a Jammu and Kashmir where “tears are not shed on the death of terrorists but the tears of common Kashmiris are wiped away,” position him as a transformative figure.
Voices of Gratitude: Quotes from Families and News Channels
The emotional resonance of this initiative was captured in quotes shared with various news outlets:
Suhail Yousuf Shah to The Skandar: “No government ever cared enough to ask about our pain. For years, the political leadership in J&K sided with terror, leaving innocent families like mine to suffer in silence.”
Sheetal Sen to Times of India: “LG Manoj Sinha acknowledged our hardship and has given me a job in the health department.”
Sakina Bano to Awaz The Voice: “We struggled for years without any income. This job means a new beginning for our family.”
Arif Hussain to Awaz The Voice: “This job is not just employment—it’s justice for my family.”
Parvez Ahmad Dar to Hindustan Times: “This appointment letter is a lifeline for my family. We’ve waited so long for someone to hear our cries.”
Khurshid Ahmad Rather to The Tribune: “This job is not just a livelihood; it’s a recognition of my father’s sacrifice and our family’s struggle.”
Abida Bano’s Family to Times of India: “We were left with nothing after Abida’s death. This job letter is a step toward rebuilding our lives.”
Raja Begum’s Family to Times of India: “LG Sinha’s initiative has given us hope after years of despair. We finally feel seen.”
Suhail Majeed to Kashmir Despatch: “For years, no government cared enough to ask about our pain. Today, LG Sinha has given us hope and a new beginning.”
These quotes, reported by reputable sources, reflect the profound gratitude and relief felt by families, amplifying the initiative’s impact through media coverage.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Continuity
The J&K Administration, under LG Sinha’s leadership, has committed to continuing this initiative until every eligible NoK receives justice. A dedicated web portal, launched on July 22, 2025, and helplines at district and divisional levels ensure accessibility and efficiency. LG Sinha stated to India TV, “The remaining will soon be handed over the appointment letters at their respective district headquarters. This process will continue till every genuine case is settled.” This commitment, coupled with LG Sinha’s assurance to The Tribune, “I will not rest until every family that has been a victim of the terrorists’ atrocities gets justice,” underscores the administration’s resolve.
Conclusion
LG Manoj Sinha’s initiative to provide 278 government jobs to the next of kin of terror victims is a beacon of hope in Jammu and Kashmir’s journey toward healing and progress. The stories of families like those of Abdul Majid Mir, Suhail Majeed, Khurshid Ahmad Rather, Parvez Ahmad Dar, Suhail Yousuf Shah, Abida Bano, Raja Begum, Sheetal Sen, Sakina Bano, and Arif Hussain highlight the human toll of terrorism and the transformative power of this initiative. Their heartfelt quotes, shared with news outlets like Hindustan Times, Times of India, The Tribune, Awaz The Voice, and Kashmir Despatch, underscore the restoration of dignity and hope. By delivering economic stability, rebuilding trust, and dismantling the terror ecosystem, LG Sinha’s compassionate leadership is reshaping Jammu and Kashmir into a region where justice prevails, and common Kashmiris are empowered. As this initiative continues, LG Manoj Sinha’s positive role will remain a cornerstone of a brighter, more inclusive future for Jammu and Kashmir.