Why Gen Z in Jammu & Kashmir Connects with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Explained

✒️ :. Jasib Shabir | Social Activist | Save Youth Save Future

For a long time, Gen-Z in J&K has witnessed history being created. It is not reading about it; it has been a part of it

We have seen days of shutdowns, hartals, and disturbances where education, our future, was at stake

Thus, it is a generation that has had its share of pain and has tasted the change. For us, the change of having an environment of peace and development is priceless. This, in fact, is the reason that the majority of Gen-Z has a liking for Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha.

We witnessed the era of “uninterrupted education”, “no shutdowns”, and “no hartals” during the tenure of LG Manoj Sinha, whereas, previously, our generation used to struggle with the problem of getting education due to the shutdown of educational institutions. Now, our hearts are filled with joy and appreciation as we have realized that our right to uninterrupted education and environment conducive to our development is exercised properly now. It has become possible for us to go to our respective schools, colleges, and universities without any disturbance. In short, there has been a paradigm shift in the aspirations and mindset of Gen-Z

From Violence to Aspirations

Previously, for generations, the Kashmiri youth had aspirations of violence, destruction, and vandalism. Today, we have moved from “shooting pellet guns” to having “a game plan for life”. Youth today has a dream to get education, to get employed, to play, to study, to have technology, to compete nationally and internationally. In short, the pen, the cricket bat, the business plan, the career plan, and the laptop have become the new icons of the youth in J&K. This is in fact one of the most heartwarming changes that have been observed in Kashmir.

Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir: A People’s Movement

Gen-Z connects immensely with the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan because it has created quite an impact on the minds of the people of Kashmir. The campaign, which has united everyone from the government to the public, has resonated with the youth on a large scale. What makes the youth connect with it even more is that they see the head of the UT, i.e., LG Manoj Sinha, walking the same path as them. It made the youth feel like this is their movement and this is their leader

This movement sends out a clear message that Kashmir is against drugs. In fact, Kashmiri youth wanted to convey the same message for quite some time, however, it was only LG Sinha who took it upon himself to make it happen.

In fact, for many of the Kashmiri youth, it created a sense of belongingness towards Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan as well as towards the LG as he was seen by the youth as one of their own.

Gunegaar ko chhodo mat, begunah ko chhedo mat.

Another interesting fact about Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan is that the LG’s slogan has created a massive connection with the Gen-Z. It resonates with every Kashmiri youth as it conveys the message that he is with them, fighting for them. It makes them feel that the LG cares for them and understands their pain. By saying “Gunegaar ko chhodo mat, begunah ko chhedo mat,” he tells the people that he will neither let the guilty ones off the hook nor will he hurt the innocent ones. This is in fact what every Kashmiri youth wanted to hear, most of them have always stood by this message, and for them, this is what makes LG Manoj Sinha their hero

Merit and the Aspiration for Fair Opportunities

Previously, it was seen that persons holding 8th/10th standard qualification used to get government jobs. This created a feeling of frustration amongst those who had higher qualifications as they struggled for jobs due to the entry-level requirements. However, with the advent of LG Manoj Sinha administration and the policies he has initiated, people are now being given jobs on merit basis. Those who are eligible and qualify the exams get the jobs. Thus, with this policy, we have seen the aspirations of Gen-Z change because their dreams are now in safe hands. They now have trust and faith in the system that they will be given suitable jobs, and they can make the best out of their future opportunities without any fear.

This makes the youth connect with LG Sinha as he helps them realize that they have opportunities as well as the future is in the right hands.

Peace is Not Boring – It Is an Opportunity

Perhaps what almost every Kashmiri youth wants is “peace”. It is this one thing that can give students an opportunity to study, give tourists an opportunity to visit Kashmir, give businessmen an opportunity to run their businesses smoothly, give athletes an opportunity to play, and give families an opportunity to make plans for their future.

For a generation like us, who has seen the stone pelting days that used to disturb the entire valley, peace has become the new normal. It has become the new “opportunity” for us.

From the days of disturbance to the days of young athletes taking part in sports events, from the days of stone pelting to the days of celebrating youth and culture, everything has changed for us. We now see the environment around us as an opportunity rather than a threat

Standing with People During Difficult Times

It has been observed that during COVID-19, various pandemics, and floods in different parts of Kashmir, the LG has stood by the people. It makes the youth feel connected to the leader as they see him as the one who cares for them. It was only when they saw him working selflessly for the people during difficult times that their perception about him changed, making them respect and admire him even more.

Thus, it can be stated that the youth connect with LG Sinha as he always stood by the people and fought for their welfare. He was there for the people during good and bad times. He always stood by the people, whether it was the youth, old age people, children, or females. Hence, it makes the Kashmiri youth connect with him and appreciate his leadership.

Recognition and Rehabilitation of Families of Victims of Terrorist Attacks

The families of the victims used to bear the extreme agony and pain for years together. These families remained under tremendous pressure for years together. Therefore, the policies concerning recognition, rehabilitation, and redress to the victims of terrorism have far-reaching impact.

The policies take care of the long-standing social obligations of the state toward the victims of terrorist attacks. At the same time, they recognize those who stood by Jammu and Kashmir during the darkest of times. This is in fact one more thing that makes the youth, more particularly the Gen-Z, connect with LG Sinha

Sports: Giving Youth Another “Direction”

Sports can be considered as one of the most effective ways to engage the youth. The Kashmiri youth, especially Gen-Z, has connected with the administration on the basis of sports. We have witnessed how our local hockey players, cricketers, kabaddi players, MMA fighters, and Thanta wrestlers have brought glory to the state by playing for the country on various national and international platforms like the IPL. This has had a tremendous impact on us, the Kashmiri youth, as it has encouraged us to invest our time and energy in sports

This is in fact one of the major changes that have been witnessed in J&K in recent times. It makes us (Gen-Z) connect with the administration for giving us an opportunity to play sports, which we believe will lead us to fame and fortune

From Shutdowns to Stability: Why Gen Z Connects with LG Manoj Sinha

We (Gen-Z) have witnessed our fathers, uncles, neighbors, and relatives struggling due to the complete shutdown of business places, travel agencies, and other businesses due to hartals, curfews, and violence. Many of them have fallen into debts and loan traps, and their families have faced a lot of difficulties. However, fortunately, under the LG’s rule and his policies, most of us are free from this burden, and we are living our lives prosperously. We have tasted the stability that our state has achieved now, and we have realized how hard it was for our parents and relatives to live before

Thus, we (Gen-Z) have been longing for such a leader who would come and take Kashmir to a new height. Finally, our hopes were fulfilled when LG Manoj Sinha came into power

Hence, this is one of the major reasons why Gen-Z connects with him, as he took care of the major concerns of our family members, including taking them out of debts and loans.

A Leader Who Talks to Young People

One of the biggest reasons why Gen-Z connects with LG Manoj Sinha is his interaction with the youth. Today’s youth wants its voice to be heard, wants its concerns to be addressed by those in power. It wants to have a future with endless opportunities and wants to engage in constructive activities. Thus, when the LG interacts with the youth, it gives hope to Gen-Z that their voice matters to him, and he will strive hard to address their concerns.

Why Does Gen Z Support Manoj Sinha?

So, why does Gen-Z supports Manoj Sinha? Why does it have so much love and appreciation for the LG? Well, the reasons might not be one but many. In fact, Gen-Z feels that LG Manoj Sinha is like one of their own people as he cares for the people and their future. Therefore, people connect with him because he is a leader who always talks about development, Gen-Z, opportunities, sports, drug-free Kashmir, and many other important aspects of life. In short, Gen-Z feels that he is one of them and he has always cared for them, their future, and their development.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NQ News.