Srinagar, Jul 20: Terming it a significant move aimed at delivering long-overdue justice to the victims of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of Opposition (LOP) in J&K Assembly and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sunil Sharma on Sunday said that the administration had initiated fast-track appointments for the kin of those who lost their lives to terror-related violence.
“This is not just an administrative decision but a moral responsibility that we are finally fulfilling. For decades, the pain of these families went unheard. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the tireless efforts of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, a new chapter of dignity and recognition has begun for these forgotten families,” Sharma told reporters here. “In the past two weeks alone, hundreds of such appointments have been made, marking a powerful gesture of support for those who have suffered in silence for far too long.”
He said that since the 1990s, J&K had suffered the scourge of terrorism.
“Thousands of innocent lives were lost, and families were shattered. Many of these families lost their only breadwinners – fathers, sons, daughters – who fell to senseless violence. For decades, no government paid genuine attention to their plight. Their voices were unheard and their pain was largely ignored,” he said. “Today, I am heartened to say, a new chapter has begun.”
Sharma said that under the leadership of LG Sinha, and as per the directives of PM Modi, a ray of hope had been lit in the homes of these terror victims.
“In just the last 10-15 days, fast-track administrative efforts have led to hundreds of appointments being given to family members of terrorism victims. These families, ignored and neglected for decades, have now been recognised, respected, and empowered,” he said.
The LoP said he wanted to place on record his deep appreciation for the J&K administration, especially the LG.
“His initiative to prioritise these cases, ensure swift documentation, and personally oversee the distribution of job orders in two special functions is a milestone step. A timeline has been set so that all pending cases will be resolved in the coming month. This is not just employment, it is justice delayed but now delivered. While we see positive developments today, we must not forget how previous governments acted with apathy,” he said.
Sharma said that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government, which ruled between 2009 and 2014, had no such will.
“That government made promises, but only delivered political drama. When the youth were demanding employment, they were given hollow schemes in the name of Sheikh Abdullah. Even those were marred by favouritism and failure. Several young people lost their lives in the agitations during that period. There was blood on the hands of a callous administration,” he said.
The LOP said that CM Omar, instead of behaving with dignity, chose to stage a drama in front of a shrine.
“He constructed a wall of lies, quite literally. The gate was open. Then what was the need to show confrontation? If the gate was closed, how did his ministers and advisors go in? The fact is that he sought confrontation with the Police, not reconciliation with the people,” he said. “What message are you sending, Omar Sahab? Should young Kashmiris take to the streets again in your name? Politics is above public order?”
Sharma said that the CM’s choice to hurt the sentiments of the people of Jammu was more shameful.
“On July 13 and 14, while the people of Jammu were commemorating the legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh, a symbol of pride for the Dogra community, CM Omar chose to glorify those who rebelled against the Maharaja. He has proven, once again, that he sees himself as a regional leader, not a leader of J&K,” Sharma said. “His divisive politics are designed to polarise. While BJP stands for integration and justice for all communities, CM Omar is busy fanning separatist sentiments.”
The senior BJP leader said CM Omar repeatedly claims that if the INDIA alliance comes to power, Article 370 would be reinstated.
“But let’s look at the facts. A joint letter from Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi to the Prime Minister does not even mention Article 370. Even Congress has now accepted its abrogation,” he said. “So what is Omar doing? He is lying to the people of Kashmir. He is building false hope where there is none. The INDIA alliance has clearly said it supports statehood, a position that the BJP has also committed to. On Article 370, even his allies have abandoned him.”
Sharma said that the BJP government had fulfilled commitments, including the abrogation of Article 370, conducted delimitation, held Panchayat and local body polls, and completed development projects worth thousands of crores.
“And yes, statehood will be restored at an appropriate time as promised by the PM and Home Minister,” he said.
The LOP said that CM Omar was desperate.
He said his party was falling apart and leaders are clamouring for ministries.
“Coat-pants are being stitched in anticipation of power. And to hold his party together, he is using the monsoon session as bait,” he said.
“CM Omar says statehood is coming, but the truth is he doesn’t know what’s happening in the Parliament. Even his ‘2.5 MPs’ have no clue about the agenda,” Sharma said. “All of this, his drama at the shrine and his sudden rediscovery of issues is to save his crumbling political home. But let me assure the people of J&K that the BJP is not in the business of playing politics with emotions. We deliver.”
The BJP leader was flanked by the party’s newly-elected J&K General Secretary Anwar Khan and Media Incharge Sajid Yusuf Shah.
