Justice for Forgotten Victims

Srinagar, July 13: In a historic step towards justice and recognition for victims of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday handed over appointment letters to the next of kin (NoKs) of civilians killed in terror attacks. The move marks a long-overdue acknowledgment of the suffering endured by families whose loved ones were brutally killed by Pakistan-backed militants over the past decades.

Speaking at the event, Lt Governor Sinha said the initiative aims to restore dignity and support to families who were for years “forsaken and forgotten.” He asserted that the administration is committed to delivering justice, jobs, and rehabilitation to these families, many of whom have silently borne the pain of loss without any state recognition.  

“Truth about these families was deliberately suppressed. Everyone knew who was responsible, but no one came forward to wipe their tears,” Sinha said. “We will now reach every doorstep, and ensure these families are no longer neglected.”

The Lieutenant Governor revealed that district-level helplines have been activated to register grievances from victims’ families. He noted that hundreds of complaints have already been received, including cases dating back to the 1990s. Many of these families, he said, were denied basic justice with FIRs never registered, properties encroached upon, and lands illegally occupied.

“I assure the people that the culprits will not be spared. This is not just  symbolic gesture  it’s a systemic correction of decades of injustice,” he said.

Officials said the administration is preparing a comprehensive outreach plan to identify and assist all such families, ensuring sustainable livelihood support, educational aid, and housing arrangements.

The move has been hailed as a landmark moment in the Union Territory’s counter-terrorism and victim rehabilitation policy. It signals a shift towards inclusive governance and addresses a long-standing grievance in the Valley’s conflict-ridden history.