Manoj Sinha has defended the government’s handling of Operation Sindoor and said the military exercise achieved its intended deterrent effect despite continued infiltration attempts in Jammu and Kashmir. In an interview discussing terrorism, security challenges, and governance in the Union Territory, Sinha argued that critics questioning why India did not escalate the operation further should observe ongoing wars across the world. He maintained that India’s armed forces had successfully fulfilled the mission’s objectives while avoiding prolonged conflict.

Speaking about cross-border terrorism, the Lieutenant Governor said infiltration attempts backed by Pakistan continue but insisted that security agencies remain fully alert and capable of responding effectively. Sinha stated that the overall militancy situation in Kashmir has significantly improved compared to previous years, noting that local militant recruitment has sharply declined from triple digits to single digits. He also claimed that no top commanders of major terror organizations currently remain active in the region and said infiltrators are neutralized quickly after entering Indian territory.

Operation Sindoor, launched a year ago, was projected by authorities as a decisive counter-terror response designed to strengthen deterrence along the border and reduce militant activity. Addressing criticism that India did not push further militarily despite having the upper hand, Sinha said global conflicts demonstrate the consequences of prolonged wars and unchecked escalation. Without directly naming any countries, he suggested that India had acted with strategic restraint while still achieving operational success through its armed forces and intelligence network.

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The lieutenant governor also addressed concerns regarding the recent shift in militant activity toward the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions, particularly areas in the Jammu division such as Kathua, Udhampur, and Kishtwar. According to Sinha, security forces initially faced setbacks when adversaries attempted to open a new front in Jammu after increased pressure in Kashmir. However, he claimed the security grid has since been strengthened and pointed to several successful anti-terror operations, including the killing of top Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Saifullah, as evidence that the situation is now under control.

Beyond terrorism, Sinha highlighted the growing challenge posed by the narco-terror nexus in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the administration is pursuing a hardline strategy against drug trafficking networks while also focusing on rehabilitation and awareness efforts aimed at preventing addiction among youth. Authorities in the Union Territory have increasingly linked narcotics smuggling to terror financing, with security agencies warning that drug trafficking routes are being used to support militant infrastructure and destabilize local communities.

The lieutenant governor further defended the Union Territory’s administrative structure and governance model, saying the framework for centrally administered regions is not new in India. He argued that improvements in security and administrative coordination have become visible over time, though he refrained from elaborating extensively on sensitive operational matters. As Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate security concerns, political tensions, and economic recovery following recent terror incidents, including the Pahalgam attack, Sinha maintained that the administration remains committed to stability, counter-terror operations, and restoring public confidence across the region.

Also Read: Report Says Operation Sindoor Changed India’s Approach To Anti-Terror Warfare