Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the Government of India is implementing a comprehensive strategy under the Vibrant Villages Programme to integrate border populations into the national mainstream with focus on livelihood generation, infrastructure and connectivity. The statement came on the eve of the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor.

The programme aims to saturate all villages in four thematic areas: all-weather road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity and electrification through convergence under existing scheme norms. Several border villages in Rajouri, Poonch, Kupwara and Baramulla districts were targeted by the Pakistani Army in 2025, resulting in 21 civilian deaths and extensive damage to structures.

Mr. Sinha said the administration is resolute to elevate border settlements from the periphery of neglect to the forefront of national progress, calling border villages the backbone of India. He pledged that by 2030 no family in border villages of Samba will remain below the poverty line and said land ownership rights are being provided to displaced persons.

The Lieutenant Governor visited the Regal Border Out Post in Samba district, interacted with jawans and lauded their unwavering determination in guarding the nation’s frontiers during Operation Sindoor. The administration will continue rolling out connectivity and livelihood schemes while accelerating land-rights disbursal for displaced residents.