J&K L-G Manoj Sinha Urges Public Vigilance to Dismantle Terrorism Ecosystem

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Wednesday called for unwavering public support to eradicate the menace of terrorism and urged citizens to remain vigilant in dismantling its ecosystem, declaring it the greatest threat to peace and development in the Union Territory.

“Terrorism remains the greatest enemy of peace, development, and the aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir's youth”, he said, while addressing the valedictory session of the Foundation Day celebrations at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) at Awantipora in Pulwama district. He urged the public to collaborate with security forces in identifying and neutralising elements supporting terror ecosystems.

The Lt. Governor highlighted that for over three decades, terrorism has devastated the lives of J&K's youth, shattering their dreams. “Today, our young people and professionals are realising their aspirations and driving progress. However, our neighbouring country and its terrorist proxies operating here are determined to disrupt this momentum. We must remain vigilant, dismantle this ecosystem, and unite to thwart their designs,” Sinha said.

He emphasised that J&K has forged a new destiny, identity, and vision, which must be safeguarded at all costs. “Those attempting to crush the dreams of our youth through violence must be dealt with sternly,” he added.

Paying homage to the victims of the November 10 car blast near Delhi's Red Fort, the Lt. Governor expressed deep condolences. “I pay tribute to those killed in the terror attack and extend heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families,” he said.

Reiterating terrorism's corrosive impact, Sinha described it as the foremost threat to societal harmony. “It spreads hate, violence, and division, eroding brotherhood and unity among people,” he noted. He stressed collective responsibility in eradicating terror, calling on citizens to report suspicious elements to security forces.

Sinha also underscored the region's recent peace dividend. He said, “In the last five to six years, J&K has experienced unprecedented calm, with a growing number of peace stakeholders”. He highlighted the massive infrastructure buildup over the past five years and urged young professionals to prioritise development strategies to reshape J&K's future. He noted substantial investments in human capital, research and development, incubation centers, and university infrastructure as key drivers of economic growth.

On the occasion, the Lt. Governor inaugurated the IUST Innovation Campus and a new Administration Block at the university's main campus. Praising IUST's transformation since 2021, Sinha outlined key milestones including academic expansion with programmes growing from 41 to 90 by 2025, introducing interdisciplinary courses in AI, Robotics, Design Your Own Degree, Space Technology, Data Sciences, and apprenticeship-based UG skill programmes.

Talking about the enrollment surge, he said that applications rose from 3,000 in 2021 to 7,600 in 2025, with greater diversity from across J&K and beyond. He said that the University’s external funding jumped from a mere ₹ 2 crore annually pre-2021 to over ₹ 69 crore in the last four years. Regarding the startup ecosystem, he said that from zero startups in 2021, IUST now incubates 93 ventures, hosts over 225 incubatees, and fosters award-winning innovations in renewable energy, healthcare, and IT.

About intellectual property, he said that it was granted 32 patents-77 published, and 33 filed- and two faculty members ranked among India's top scientists in their fields.

“It is a source of immense pride for IUST,” he remarked and instructed IUST to innovate in low-cost, energy-resilient housing, effective reuse of road and building construction materials, promotion of cold-mix technology for durable roads and communication solutions for remote areas without traditional signal towers.