Sufism is the Most Powerful Tool of Peace
No Place for Conflict Entrepreneurs in J&K Anymore
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, April 19: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated on Saturday that the government’s aim is to achieve faster, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth to harness the industrial potential of Jammu and Kashmir.
During an interaction with members of YPO-Global One, an international network of leaders and CEOs, LG Sinha as per Kashmir Despatch emphasized that a multi-strategic approach has been adopted to strike the right balance between economic growth, sustainability, and social development, ensuring a brighter future for the region’s industries.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the strategic, multi-faceted approach for holistic development of J&K over the last five years including economic growth, sustainability, and seamless implementation of social welfare schemes.
“I want the industrial growth to benefit all the citizens of Jammu Kashmir. This is my resolve. My second resolve is to ensure that Industrial growth is environmentally sustainable.
One of our objectives is to make J&K a leader in innovation to attract investments in research, IT and ITeS. We have analysed locally available skillset and natural resources in order to promote the relevant sectors as per our advantage.
For the industrial growth of Jammu Kashmir, we have focused on sectors which are the strength of the region. For example, the Tourism Sector has witnessed massive increase in tourist influx. There is immense potential in this sector for unexplored destinations, film tourism, entertainment sector, hotels and resorts and theme parks. Since we have given industry status to tourism, I am sure that the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir can be tapped,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor addressed the queries from YPO members on J&K’s Industrial growth.
“I think Jammu Kashmir has many factors such as economic stability, skilled labour, raw material, better incentives, enabling and safe business environment, high productivity, high potential of value addition, strong infrastructure, transparency and high level of innovation, which makes it an attractive investment destination.
Urban transformation has provided a high standard of living in almost all the cities of Jammu Kashmir. Public safety, strong healthcare system, higher education, low expense burden, high productivity, composite culture, all these systems are perfectly suitable for the operations of multinational companies in the J&K UT,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a transformative era, fostering peace and inclusive development.
The Lieutenant Governor asserted that “conflict entrepreneurs” will no longer be allowed to regain influence in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sinha remarked, *“Conflict entrepreneurs collaborated with our neighbor three decades ago, promoting militancy and hatred for their own gain. Their hands are stained with the blood of innocents.”*
He added, “These individuals operated a lucrative business of militancy and violence, reducing the people of Kashmir to mere cannon fodder.”
LG Sinha noted that security forces have worked tirelessly in recent years to eradicate militancy and dismantle conflict entrepreneurs in the region.
“Some conflict entrepreneurs are attempting to resurface. I assure everyone they will not succeed in their nefarious designs. They will be crushed,” he declared.
Meanwhile, addressing a Sufi Conference in Srinagar, LG Sinha described Sufism as “the most powerful force for peace and harmony in society.”* He explained that Sufism embodies a way of life that nurtures love for the universe and a divine connection.
“Sufism transcends divisions and unites hearts. It prioritizes inner purity, compassion, and a profound bond with the divine. Its ultimate purpose is to cultivate societal awareness and interconnectedness,” he said.
He emphasized that Sufi teachings reject all forms of violence and discrimination, serving as a counterforce to extremist ideologies. *“Sufi traditions—expressed through poetry, music, and creativity—will strengthen counter-radicalization efforts,”* he added.
LG Sinha reiterated that Sufism remains society’s most potent instrument for peace and unity.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
