Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Calls for Unity and Progress on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

New Delhi, India Aug 15, 2026 ALN: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Calls for Unity and Progress

On August 14, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the solemn observance of ‘Partition Horrors Remembrance Day’ at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. This event was marked by collective remembrance and a reaffirmation of national unity. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor paid heartfelt tribute to all those citizens who endured unimaginable suffering during the partition of 1947, whose sacrifices continue to inspire generations.

The partition of India in 1947 was one of the largest mass migrations in human history, resulting in the displacement of approximately 15 million people and the loss of around one to two million lives due to communal violence. The division of British India into two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, was accompanied by widespread riots, killings, and a deep-seated communal rift that has had lasting implications for both nations. This historical event is not only a significant chapter in the annals of Indian history but also a source of collective trauma that continues to resonate in the national consciousness.

Sinha emphasized that the wound of partition continues to exist as a pain in the collective consciousness of every Indian. “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 giving voice to those millions whose voices were taken away from them,” he stated. His remarks underscore the importance of acknowledging historical injustices and the need for collective healing.

He further expressed, “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 with complete truthfulness, honesty, and utmost sensitivity.” This statement reflects a broader commitment to historical memory and the recognition of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during this tumultuous period. It highlights the responsibility of contemporary society to honor the past while striving for a more inclusive future.

The Lieutenant Governor urged the people 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, turning the pace of time towards progress and harmony. By invoking the various segments of society, Sinha aims to foster a collective effort towards rebuilding and unifying the region, which has faced its own set of challenges in the post-partition era.

He praised the resilience of those who rebuilt their lives with courage, enriching the country’s social fabric and cultural heritage with historic traditions and values. “Today’s occasion is an opportunity to acknowledge the pain of the past and strengthen our unwavering commitment to peace, harmony, and national unity,” he added. This sentiment is particularly relevant in the context of Jammu and Kashmir, a region that has experienced significant turmoil and conflict since partition, and where efforts towards reconciliation and unity are crucial for sustainable peace.

Sinha noted that the partition divided families and displaced communities from Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir and Chhamb. He paid tribute to those who faced decades-long discrimination within the Union Territory due to Article 370. He remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended their suffering and granted them equal rights like any other citizen of the country. This reference to Article 370 points to the constitutional changes that have affected the status of Jammu and Kashmir, and the ongoing debates surrounding rights, representation, and governance in the region.

Additionally, he honored the countless families who sacrificed during the tribal invasion months after partition. “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 Kashmir,” he said. This acknowledgment of the violence and chaos that followed partition serves to remind attendees of the broader implications of the historical narrative, as well as the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens in the face of adversity.

Addressing the youth, Sinha emphasized 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, reject enmity and communal bitterness, and build bridges of trust. He called upon them to construct a developed India that is inclusive and empowered. This call to action for the youth is significant, as they represent the future of the nation and have the potential to shape a more harmonious society.

“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,” he stated. The emphasis on inclusivity and development reflects a vision for a united India where every citizen, regardless of their background, feels valued and empowered.

He 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 recognition of India's pluralism is essential for fostering a sense of belonging among its diverse populations and for promoting social cohesion.

“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, strengthen peace and harmony, and ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. Building a self-reliant Jammu Kashmir is a shared duty, and national unity remains the bedrock of our strength, security, and collective progress,” he concluded. This call for a unified approach to development and national identity is particularly poignant for a region like Jammu and Kashmir, which has historically faced divisions and conflicts.

The Lieutenant Governor visited the photo exhibition on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, where a two-minute silence was observed in memory of those who lost their lives during the Partition of India. Such exhibitions play a critical role in educating the public about the historical events and their lasting impacts, serving as a reminder of the importance of remembrance in the pursuit of peace.

The event also featured a moving theatrical performance that highlighted the trauma, hardship, and displacement experienced by millions during the Partition. The use of art and performance to convey historical narratives can be a powerful tool for fostering empathy and understanding among audiences, especially the youth who may not have a direct connection to these events.

Dr. Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board; Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shri Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary of the Jal Shakti Department; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary of Culture; Shri Ashok Koul, General Secretary (Organisation) BJP J&K; senior officials, prominent citizens from various walks of life, and a large number of youth were present at the event. The diverse attendance reflects a community effort to confront the past and work towards a collective future, highlighting the importance of unity and shared responsibility in healing historical wounds.