WE MUST WAIT FOR THE RIGHT TIME FOR STATEHOOD

MANOJ SINHA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JAMMU AND KASHMIR

- BY NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA/SRINAGAR

The skies are clear after the drone raids of May, but counter-terrorism operations continue quietly on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir.

While there is no huge presence of soldiers in uniform, security forces are active behind the scenes, carrying out operations in Pulwama, Tral, Shopian and Baramulla. "Operation Sindoor continues," said Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, referring to the active counter-terror measures that follow the military confrontation with Pakistan. Launched after the brutal terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, the cross-border operation targeted Pakistan-based terror camps. Sinha, who also holds key responsibilities for law and order in the Union territory, told THE WEEK in an exclusive interview that any act of terrorism would be treated as an act of war.

Beyond the immediate security response, another battle is unfolding quietly within Kashmiri homes that have suffered the impact of decades of terrorism. Sinha said the fight against terrorism must also address justice and relief for victims, adding that bringing support to those affected over the past three decades remains a critical challenge. Edited excerpts from the interview:

Q/ The number of terror incidents had declined in Jammu and Kashmir before the Pahalgam attack on April 22. What are the key security challenges now?