New Delhi [India], July 16 (ANI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed a seminar on 'J&K's March Towards Peace' as part of a lecture series organised by Gandhi Smriti, at New Delhi.

According to a release, 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 the state of Jammu and 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. The Hon'ble 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 and 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 Jammu and Kashmir, 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 its facilitators and thorough investigations against those trying to radicalise the youth have 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 aware that Jammu and Kashmir, as envisioned by Bapu, is a state of unity and peace.

This wind of change has rattled the terrorist nation of Pakistan, and it constantly tries to hurt the soul of India and its cultural-spiritual fabric. The aim of the Pahalgam terrorist attack was to stall the economic progress of the 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 the terrorist country, Pakistan. We are determined to completely wipe out terrorism and the 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 various sectors in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the era of the 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. (ANI)