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Jammu, May 15: Situation in Jammu and Kashmir is ''continuously improving'' with people talking about peace, prosperity, development and education, GOC 16 Corps Lt-Gen Tej Kumar Sapru said today.

Flagging off a Maulvis tour under the agies of ''Operation Sadbhavana'', the Lt-Gen Sapru said militancy and infiltration in the state have reduced in the past few year.

The prime objective of the Army is to bring the state on the path to development, ensuring peace and security for everyone, the commander of Nagrota Corps said, addressing mediapersons for the first time after taking over the charge of 16 Corps.

He also appealed to the Moulvis to spread the message of unity and brotherhood among people and motivate local populace and the younger generation to contribute to the development of the state.

The tour, being conducted by 60 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), would enable Moulvis to enhance their awareness of national integration, he hoped.

A group of 35 Moulvis, hailing from Mahore, Gul, Sumote, Budhal and Reasi tehsils of Rajouri, Udhampur and Poonch districts will visit Delhi, Agra, Ajmer and Pushkar during their 13-day tour.

The Moulvis would have interaction with President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhawan on May 18.

UNI