Governor of Jammu kashmir SK Sinha said that defeating the scourge of terrorism is imperative for peaceful co-existence and prosperity of South Asian region, as the cult of violence has taken heavy toll in India and Pakistan.
Interacting with a group of elders from the border tehsil of Uri on their return from Operation Sadhbavna, organized by the Dagger Division of the Army, at Raj Bhavan here this morning, the Governor said that India has been successfully facing the challenge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir while the country, which was the epicentre of international terrorism has itself become its victim an is desperately grappling with it.
Sectarian violence between Shias and Sunnis has also been taking place there, he said adding, and "We wish them well and hope they too should enjoy the fruits of peace and democracy".
General Sinha said that apart from military action against terrorism, "our invincible weapon for fighting this menace has been our unique and rich legacy of the spirit of Kashmiriyat.
He said that the situation has improved considerably in the State though isolated incidents of violence continue to occur here and there.
In this context, he referred to the killing of one and injuries to 17 innocent civilians in a blast in Srinagar yesterday. 'Such lunatic acts retard the growth of progress and create a sense of insecurity among the people', he said.
The Governor had a special word of praise for the people and Security Forces who have been making great sacrifice for peace and prosperity in the State. He said the Army has always remained in the forefront to help civilian population when in distress.
In this context, he drew the attention of the elders from Choranda village of Uri tehsil to the great effort of the Army in saving the people and developing the devasted hamlet as a model village. '
While the people on borders appreciate the services being rendered by the Army, some people were indulging in orchestrated propaganda against them', he maintained.
The elders gave an account of the places they visited during their tour and the Governor kept educating them about their historical importance. He said that though Babbar came from Samarkand yet Moughals made India their home and became Indians.
They made immense contribution to culture and history of India. Indians are proud of the Mughal connection, he said, regretting that unfortunately some people in Kashmir were describing them as aliens.
The Governor said that India is a developing nation and people of all the religions and regions have equal opportunities to progress.
Khalid Jehangir, 
