Srinagar, Oct 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the 8th UT Foundation Day, paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary and calling for collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the gathering, the LG acknowledged the contributions of farmers, teachers, scholars, writers, artists, artisans, traders, workers, security personnel, youth and women in shaping the Union Territory's development journey.

Describing the occasion as a milestone in the region's history, Sinha said the developments since 2019 had strengthened national integration, equality and inclusive development.

He said the abrogation of Article 370 had opened access to rights and opportunities for ordinary citizens, while grassroots democratic institutions and Assembly elections had strengthened public participation and accountability.

"Today is not merely a date; it is a milestone that changed the direction of history and strengthened the spirit of national integration, equality and inclusive development," he said.

Highlighting the security situation, the LG said the administration had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and was committed to dismantling terror networks and their support systems.

He claimed that more than 780 terrorists had been eliminated since 2020, local terrorist recruitment had ended and stone-pelting incidents had been eradicated. He also highlighted intensified action against narco-terrorism, drug trafficking and properties allegedly linked to drug networks.

"We did not buy peace, we established peace," Sinha said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing a significant security transformation.

Emphasising the importance of public trust, justice and accountability, he said sustainable unity could only be achieved through transparent governance and equal opportunities.

"The future of Jammu and Kashmir lies not in the shadow of terror, but in the light of peace; not behind the walls of discrimination, but in equal opportunities," he said.

The LG underlined that development must reach every household, village and community, particularly sections that had remained deprived of opportunities for decades. He said the younger generation must grow in an environment centred on education, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation and sports.

Outlining priorities for the coming years, he stressed employment generation, youth empowerment, strengthening agriculture and allied sectors, quality healthcare, education, tourism, environmental sustainability, women's empowerment and transparent governance.

He also called for modern agricultural technologies, climate-resilient farming and value addition to strengthen the rural economy.

Sinha emphasised the need to promote communal harmony, respect diversity and strengthen social trust. He said the safe and dignified return of displaced communities required collective commitment.

Sharing his vision for 2047, the LG said he wanted Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as a model of prosperity with a modern economy, world-class healthcare, quality education and a vibrant cultural heritage.

"My dream is that by 2047, Jammu and Kashmir should emerge as a model of prosperity with a modern economy, world-class healthcare, excellent education and a vibrant cultural heritage," he said.

Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Unity Pledge and flagged off the Run for Unity to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. A documentary film highlighting Jammu and Kashmir's development journey, produced by the Information Department, was also screened.

Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretary Home Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary to the LG Govind Jaiswal, IGP Kashmir Sujit Singh and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, besides senior civil and police officers, security personnel, prominent citizens and youth, attended the event.