Daijiworld Media Network - Baramulla

Baramulla, Jul 14: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday distributed 40 appointment letters to victims of terrorism in an emotional event held in Baramulla. The initiative is part of the government’s continued efforts to provide jobs, compensation, and long-term support to families affected by terror violence in the Union Territory.

Speaking at the event, LG Sinha interacted personally with the families of those who had lost loved ones to terror attacks and assured them that the administration would ensure justice and comprehensive rehabilitation.

In an interview, Sinha reflected on his experience meeting over 150 such families. "In one case, a man killed by terrorists had three children. One got a job, the wife received help, but the other two children were left struggling. It struck me that we needed a system that addressed these gaps,” he said.

The Lt Governor announced the launch of a dedicated helpline for terror-affected families, through which they can submit applications for assistance. “Each application will be reviewed thoroughly with help from police and other agencies,” he said.

Recounting a recent conversation with a girl in Pahalgam, whose father—a special police officer—was killed by terrorists, Sinha said, “Her mother begged to raise her daughters. What shook me was when she said the killers are in government jobs, while they were left to suffer. That moment changed something in me. I realised there may be many such families."

In response, the administration has initiated a structured process to identify and address gaps in support to victims. “Some got financial aid but no jobs, some got jobs but no financial help. We worked to bridge those gaps,” Sinha added.

The Lieutenant Governor also announced an expansion of the entrepreneurship support scheme for terror victim families. The existing collateral-free aid limit of Rs 10 lac has now been increased to Rs 20 lac, with Jammu and Kashmir Bank creating a special cell to handle applications from youth interested in starting small businesses.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended full support to the initiative. We are committed to rebuilding the lives of those who have suffered at the hands of terrorism,” Sinha affirmed.

The move has been welcomed by victim families and civil society groups, who say the recognition and support are long overdue.