Jammu & Kashmir: Lt Governor Sinha Emphasizes Development of Border Areas

Jammu, Jul 2 (PTI): On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the Centre's dedication to the inclusive development of Jammu and Kashmir's border areas and praised the bravery shown by local residents during Operation Sindoor.

Sinha made these remarks while addressing a gathering during his visit to the border village of Changiya in the Arnia sector, as shared by an official spokesperson. He also paid respects at the Daati Maa Dev Sthan.

He offered prayers for a safe and smooth Amarnath pilgrimage, set to begin in the Kashmir Himalayas on Thursday. The first group of 5,892 pilgrims was flagged off by the Lt Governor from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early Wednesday.

Sinha commended the courage of the border village residents during Operation Sindoor, when Indian armed forces conducted missile strikes on terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack.

During the four-day conflict, Pakistan engaged in heavy mortar and artillery shelling, as well as drone and missile strikes on forward villages, before both countries agreed to cease military actions.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the government's commitment to the inclusive development of border areas.

"Border areas are the first line of defence. The Vibrant Village Programme is revolutionizing our border villages with enhanced infrastructure, and we will ensure that the villages in this region will be included under the programme," Sinha stated.

The Lt Governor assured that necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the revered Daati Maa Dev Sthan is recognized on the religious tourism map.

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