SRINAGAR, Sept 11: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said India’s newly enacted criminal laws mark a historic milestone, strengthening the nation’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and aiming to eliminate its presence from society.
Speaking at J&K Police Public School, Bemina, Sinha highlighted that the new laws replace nearly 150-year-old colonial-era criminal justice rules, ushering in a modern, victim-focused justice system. “These three laws have completely transformed our criminal justice system and shifted the focus toward victims rather than just punishment,” he said.
The LG noted that the review of British-era laws began in 2019 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, incorporating feedback from all states and union territories to ensure justice and equality for all citizens. The laws now mandate forensic investigations for serious crimes, end remnants of colonial oppression, and clearly define terrorism as acts threatening national unity, public safety, or peace.
Sinha also stressed the importance of public awareness about these reforms, urging the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Education Department, and Legal Services Department to continue awareness campaigns. “I am pleased that the Crime Branch Kashmir has organized this campaign. I hope similar efforts will be made by Crime Branch Jammu and at the district level,” he added.
These measures, he said, will not only modernize the criminal justice system but also reinforce zero tolerance against terrorism, contributing to a safer and more just society in the region.