‘Act was aimed at derailing economic progress’
JAMMU: Admitting that April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed was a grave security lapse, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has taken personal responsibility for the incident describing it as a Pakistan-sponsored act of terror aimed at derailing economic progress of the region.
In an interview to a national newspaper, Sinha said he has taken responsibility for Pahalgam terror attack which was undoubtedly a security failure. However, he said, the attack shouldn’t be seen as evidence that terrorism is resurgent across Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistani terrorists struck at Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam on April 22 killing 26 civilians including 25 tourists and a local. Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor from May 6-10 targeting terror infrastructure and military bases deep inside Pakistan and PoJK killing large number of terrorists,
Sinha said timing and location of the terror attack were aimed at undermining Kashmir’s booming tourism and economic recovery. The neighbor (a reference towards Pakistan) wanted to create communal divide with a view to trigger backlash against people of Jammu and Kashmir living in different States of the country.
Asserting that economy size of Jammu and Kashmir has doubled during past five years, the Lieutenant Governor said the tourists had been visiting in large number. However, he added, widespread condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack by ordinary Kashmiris was a befitting reply to Pakistan and its terror outfits.
Sinha, however, said that local recruitment of terrorists has reached a record low.
Only one incident of local recruitment has been reported this year as compared to 6-7 last year, he added and disclosed that there was a time when this figure used to be between 150 to 200.
At the same time, he admitted that Pakistan has facilitated infiltration of a large number of terrorists in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
Sinha said the tourist destinations closed after Pahalgam attack have gradually reopened. Others will be reopened in a phased manner after robust security plan is finalized for them, he asserted.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the Union Home Ministry, Defence Ministry and Intelligence agencies are fully prepared to counter any future threats.
