Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha handed over appointment letters to the next of kin of the terror victims at Lok Bhawan in Srinagar on December 13, 2025. Photo: Special Arrangement
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha on Saturday (December 13, 2025) alleged that ‘overground workers’ (OGWs)—a term used by security agencies for supporters of militants—were “appointed to government jobs while genuine victims of terror were hounded” in the Union Territory (UT) in the past.
“On the one hand, the OGWs were appointed to government jobs; on the other, the next of kin (NoK) of terror victims were left to fend for themselves. After the abrogation of Article 370, the families of terror victims have found new courage and self-confidence and are now speaking out against the terror ecosystem without fear,” he said.
The L-G made the statement as he handed over appointment letters to 39 NoK of terror victims from the Kashmir division. He said for a long time, the system had ignored the pain and trauma of these families. Mr. Sinha said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, our policy on terrorism is unequivocal: ‘Zero tolerance to terrorism in all its forms‘.”
“Every available resource and means will be used to make J&K free of terrorism, and those who are giving sanctuary, safe-haven or any other support to terrorists will have to pay a very heavy price,” the L-G said.
Among those who were provided with government jobs were the families of Pakeeza Riyaz of Anantnag, whose father, Riyaz Ahmed Mir, was killed in 1999; Shaista of Hyderpora, Srinagar, whose father, Abdul Rashid Ganai, was murdered in 2000 and Ishtiyaq Ahmad, the son of BSF braveheart Altaf Hussain, who was martyred in a terrorist encounter nearly 19 years ago. A government job was also provided to a family member of Dilawar Ganie and his son, Fayaz Ganie of Qazigund, who were brutally murdered on February 4, 2000.
“In a single day, Fayaz’s daughter Fozy lost the two pillars of her life, two generations of support and guidance. The family home, which once echoed with warmth and laughter, was reduced to silence, and the family has lived in fear and grief for 25 years,” an official said.
“For generations, the system had failed these victims by not giving their cases the priority they deserved. We are empowering victims’ voices and ensuring they receive their due rights. We are also committed to ensuring swift and fair justice against perpetrators,” Mr. Sinha added.
Stating that the fight against terrorism is a task that the society as a whole has to undertake, Mr. Sinha said, “We must pledge to fight against the scourge with determination and patience and foil the efforts of our adversary.”
He said his administration was committed to delivering justice, employment, and dignity to the families of terror victims. “Family members whose loved ones were mercilessly murdered by terrorists recounted the horrifying incidents and the trauma they endured for decades in silence,” he said.
“Behind every brutal killing by terrorists lies a story of a home that never recovered and of children who grew up without parents,” said the L-G.
According to officials, 156 family members of victims of terrorism have been provided with self-employment opportunities under various schemes, adding that seventeen encroachments have been removed from the properties of families. “In all, 36 families have been identified for house reconstruction,” they said.
Published – December 13, 2025 10:30 pm IST
