Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha on Saturday (December 13, 2025) alleged that ‘overground workers’ (OGWs)—a term used by security agencies for supporters of militants—were “appointed to government jobs while genuine victims of terror were hounded” in the Union Territory (UT) in the past.
“On the one hand, the OGWs were appointed to government jobs; on the other, the next of kin (NoK) of terror victims were left to fend for themselves. After the abrogation of Article 370, the families of terror victims have found new courage and self-confidence and are now speaking out against the terror ecosystem without fear,” he said.
The L-G made the statement as he handed over appointment letters to 39 NoK of terror victims from the Kashmir division. He said for a long time, the system had ignored the pain and trauma of these families. Mr. Sinha said, “Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, our policy on terrorism is unequivocal: ‘Zero tolerance to terrorism in all its forms‘.”
“Every available resource and means will be used to make J&K free of terrorism, and those who are giving sanctuary, safe-haven or any other support to terrorists will have to pay a very heavy price,” the L-G said.
