NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed a seminar on "J&K's March Towards Peace" as part of lecture series organized by Gandhi Smriti, at New Delhi. On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor also inaugurated a newly developed ‘Gandhi Smriti Art Gallery'.

The event was also graced by former Union Minister and Vice-Chairman of Gandhi Smriti, Vijay Goel.

In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the profound and deep bond between Mahatma Gandhi and Jammu Kashmir.

"Pujya Bapu's philosophy is a source of inspiration for UT and our education system is inculcating the values of truth, non-violence and compassion among youth. Gandhiji saw a ray of hope in Jammu and Kashmir. Gandhiji wanted to see peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is fulfilling the dream of Mahatma Gandhi. Since 2019, he has been building a fear-free, terror-free J&K, which would make its place among the developed states and UTs as a symbol of peace," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the resolve of the Government of India, Police and the security forces to completely wipe out the entire terror ecosystem and establish a lasting peace in Jammu Kashmir.

"Our policy is peace, driven by the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. We believe in establishing Peace and not buying Peace. India has always followed the path of peace. Indian State authority has been completely established in J&K. Today, the common citizens of Kashmir have understood that their future lies with India. Our youth are being guided towards building a more prosperous future for J&K and their growing involvement is instrumental in this transformative journey.

The local terrorist recruitment is at an all-time low. The decisive action against terrorism and their facilitators and thorough investigations against those trying to radicalize the youth has ensured that peace prevails.

A month-long peace march is organised in the Kashmir valley every year to commemorate Pujya Bapu's birth anniversary. Gandhi Jayanti, Teachers Day, Har Ghar Tiranga, Independence-day celebrations and numerous other national integration programmes across the UT reflect that J&K is reclaiming its legacy as a land of peace. Youth are now conscious of the fact that J&K of Bapu's dreams is J&K of unity and peace.

This wind of change has rattled the terrorist nation Pakistan and it constantly tries to hurt the soul of India and its cultural-spiritual fabric. Aim of Pahalgam terrorist attack was to stall economic progress of UT as well but we are marching ahead with renewed strength.

Terrorism is in the DNA of Pakistan and they continue to spread it. The entire global society must unite against this terrorist country Pakistan. We are determined to completely wipe out terrorism and remnants of the terror ecosystem. We will not spare anyone who speaks the language of terror outfits. Strict action will be taken against such elements. Those behind the Pahalgam terror attack have been identified. NIA is investigating and soon the perpetrators will meet the same fate as other top terror commanders," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, also highlighted the transformation across the sectors in J&K UT under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the era of Post Abrogation of Article 370 represents a defining moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. "The Union Territory has marked significant milestones, over the past few years, creating new paradigms for inclusive development. Our economy has doubled in the last 5 years," the Lieutenant Governor further said.