LG Sinha slams 'demographic invasion' talk in Kashmir, says it echoes TRF narrative

SRINAGAR: As political parties in Kashmir continue to raise concerns over “demographic change” and the opening of liquor shops in the Valley, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday slammed such comments, asserting that these narratives echoed those of terrorist groups like The Resistance Front (TRF).

“Some people are giving irresponsible statements that guests are spoiling the culture of J&K. They are stating there is a demographic invasion, and that alcoholism is spreading,” Sinha said.

“This is a narrative similar to that of terror outfit TRF. I appeal to those making such statements to stop peddling such a narrative. We have already lost many innocent lives due to similar statements in the past,” Sinha said after inaugurating an exhibition and public outreach initiative in Srinagar.

Sinha issued a warning to “divisive elements” to stop spreading what he termed “fake and dangerous narratives” that threaten peace and harmony.

Valley-based parties, including NC and PDP, while rejecting the J&K Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure) Rules 2020, have alleged these were aimed at changing the demography of Kashmir.

Earlier this year, Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi of NC had called tourism in Kashmir a “cultural invasion”. PDP legislator Waheed Parra had also claimed that “fears of demographic change in Kashmir are real”.