Azad lauds IAF for its role during quake, snowstorm

Srinagar, Aug 8 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has lauded the Indian Air Force (IAF) for its valuable and significant role in rebuilding the damaged infrastructure in the state and also for protecting the lives of the people on number of occasions.

Addressing a conclave of Air Force Sector Commanders here, he expressed happiness over the cordial relations prevailing between the Army, the Air Force ad the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

''The people of Jammu and Kashmir have great respect for the Air Force as it always protected them from disasters and invasions.'' The Chief Minister said history was witness to the fact that when tribals were plundering Kashmir in 1947, it was the effectiveness of the IAF which helped the people to resist the onslaught.

He also hailed the IAF for its help during the February 2005 snowstorm and the devastating earthquake which hit various parts of Jammu and Kashmir on October 8 last year.

The Chief Minister thanked the Air Force for selecting Srinagar as the venue for holding such a conference which will go a long way in creating confidence among the people outside the state that Kashmir is as safe as any other place for tourists.

''Isolated incidents of violence are not required to be given extraordinary importance because the purpose of militants is only to show their existence by killing innocent civilians and destroying infrastructure and economy,'' he added.

Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi and other senior IAF officers attended the conclave.

UNI AG MSJ DS1346