During the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, LG Manoj Sinha urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to learn from the past and foster national unity.
New Delhi, India Aug 15, 2026 ALN: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, today attended the solemn observance of ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. This day is commemorated annually to honor the memory of the millions who suffered and lost their lives during the partition of India in 1947, an event that led to one of the largest mass migrations in human history and resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and loss. The observance was marked by collective remembrance and a reaffirmation of national unity, highlighting the importance of recognizing the past to foster a more harmonious future.
In his address on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor paid heartfelt tribute to all those citizens who endured unimaginable suffering during the partition of 1947. He noted that the partition not only divided the country into India and Pakistan but also tore apart families and communities, leaving behind scars that continue to affect the psyche of the nation. The sacrifices of those who lived through this tumultuous period continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the fragility of peace and the importance of unity.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the wound of partition continues to exist as a pain in the collective consciousness of every Indian. He stated, “Decades after the partition, their sacrifice reminds us that the wound remains unhealed, lingering as a generational pain in India’s collective soul. On Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, we are not merely recalling the past but we are giving voice to those millions whose voices were taken away from them.” This statement underscores the necessity of acknowledging historical injustices to ensure that they are not forgotten, and that the lessons learned can guide future generations.
“I wish to reiterate with firm resolve that we will not allow their pain to be buried in the dust of history. Remembering them is fulfilling our duty towards humanity. We will preserve their memories. Remembering them with complete truthfulness, honesty, and utmost sensitivity is the most sacred tribute,” the Lieutenant Governor added. His remarks reflect a commitment to historical accuracy and sensitivity, recognizing the diverse narratives that comprise the collective memory of partition.
Furthermore, the Lieutenant Governor urged the people of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to treat this day as an occasion of introspection and national resolve. He called upon the youth, farmers, workers, and women to rise with courage and determination, to turn the pace of time towards progress and harmony. This call to action is particularly relevant in the context of Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has faced its own unique challenges and conflicts in the decades following partition.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor praised the resilience of people who rebuilt their lives with courage and enriched the country’s social fabric and cultural heritage with historic traditions and values. The partition led to significant demographic changes, with many individuals and families forced to migrate across borders. Despite the adversity, many have contributed to the rich tapestry of Indian culture, showcasing the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
‘Today’s occasion is an opportunity to acknowledge the pain of the past and strengthen our unwavering commitment to peace, harmony and national unity. This day reminds us that only the lessons of history can make the future secure and humane,” the Lieutenant Governor said. His words serve as a reminder that understanding and reconciling with the past is crucial for building a cohesive society that values peace and inclusivity.
He noted that the partition divided families and displaced communities from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Chhamb. The effects of partition were deeply felt in these regions, where families were torn apart and communities were left to navigate the aftermath of violence and displacement. He paid tribute to those who faced decades-long discrimination within the UT due to Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir until its abrogation in 2019. The Lieutenant Governor stated that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ended their suffering and granted them equal rights like any other citizen of the country, highlighting a significant political shift and its implications for the region's governance and integration into the larger Indian framework.
The Lieutenant Governor also paid tribute to the countless families who sacrificed during the tribal invasion months after partition. The tribal invasion of 1947, which sought to annex Jammu and Kashmir to Pakistan, resulted in significant military and civilian casualties. “Within a few months of partition, enemies of the nation carried out terror attacks under the cover of tribal invasions. The Indian army and people fought bravely. The struggle and sacrifice of countless families are an integral part of the collective memory of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, I humbly pay tribute to the patience, hard work, and unbroken patriotism of all those families,” he said, acknowledging the complex history of conflict in the region and the valor of those who defended their homeland.
Addressing the youth, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that partition is not merely history but a living memory of millions of families. He urged them to learn from the experiences of the past, to reject enmity and communal bitterness, and to build bridges of trust. This message is particularly poignant in a time when communal tensions can still surface, and it calls for a collective effort to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse communities. He called upon them to construct a developed India that is inclusive and empowered, reflecting a vision for a future where all citizens can thrive regardless of their background.
“The youth of Jammu Kashmir must ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated in the future. Where walls were once raised, you must build bridges of trust and construct a Viksit Bharat that is inclusive,” the Lieutenant Governor said. His emphasis on youth involvement is crucial, as they are the torchbearers of change and have the potential to shape a more inclusive society that learns from the past while aspiring for a better future.
The Lieutenant Governor reminded the gathering that India’s strength lies in its diversity. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Gujarat to Goa, from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh, India is a confluence of languages, cultures, traditions, and beliefs, he said. This diversity is often celebrated as a hallmark of Indian identity, and it is essential to recognize that the richness of this tapestry must be preserved and cherished.
“Through partition, enemies of the nation tried to destroy this spirit of unity in diversity, but India has continuously moved forward with pride and confidence. We must take a pledge to acquaint future generations with the pain of partition, to strengthen peace and harmony, and to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated,” the Lieutenant Governor asserted. His call to action emphasizes the responsibility of current generations to educate and inform younger ones about the historical realities of partition, ensuring that the lessons learned are not forgotten.
Building a self-reliant Jammu Kashmir is a shared duty and national unity remains the bedrock of our strength, security and collective progress,” the Lieutenant Governor said, reinforcing the idea that unity is essential for the development and stability of the region. The call for self-reliance also aligns with broader national goals of economic and social empowerment, encouraging local communities to contribute to their own development.
As part of the observance, the Lieutenant Governor visited the photo exhibition on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, showcasing images and narratives that capture the experiences of those affected by partition. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives during the Partition of India, serving as a moment of reflection and respect for the sacrifices made by countless individuals during this dark chapter of history. This observance not only honors the past but also serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation.
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