Gen Sinha calls for united fight against terrorism

Srinagar, Aug 15: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha has called upon the people to organise themselves for launching a decisive war against terrorism as the menace has been eating into the vitals of the state.

In a message on the 60th Independence Day, he said that while the state was marching towards a better tomorrow, security of the people remained a major concern particularly in the wake of militant atrocities such as throwing grenades, slitting throats of innocent citizens and massacre of soft targets.

''A whole generation has virtually been destroyed in our state in the ongoing militancy. The number of innocent people massacred by the militants exceed those killed in fighting for a so-called freedom struggle. Time has now come to fight terrorism unitedly,'' Gen Sinha added.

Lauding the security forces and the police for effectively combating militancy, he said many of them made the supreme sacrifice for saving the lives of the innocent people.

''The record of our Army in the conduct of such operations has been far superior to that of foreign armies in Baluchistan, Wazirstan, Afghanistan, Iraq or Lebanon. Notwithstanding this, incidents of excesses or human rights violations have occurred and have been severely death with and the guilty have been given exemplary punishment,'' Mr Sinha said.

However, it was a matter of grave concern that certain elements have been constantly vilifying the Army on the basis of false or highly exaggerated reports thus vitiating the atmosphere, he added.

Gen Sinha expressed concern over militant attacks on the people and tourists and said Kashmir, known for its hospitality, has bled due to attacks on the visitors.

This has shattered the tourism industry which is the mainstay for the livelihood of the people in Kashmir, he added.

Mr Sinha said the peace-loving people of Kashmir have vehemently decried these acts of militants and held protest demonstrations to register their anguish. On the role of the Army in coming rescue operations, he said the troops have always risen to the occasion in case of calamities whether during snowstorm and the earthquake last year or the recent floods in Ladakh.

The civic action programme under ''Operation Sadhbavna'' has been remarkable which gave a people-friendly image to the Army in rural areas, Gen Sinha said, adding that more than 500 micro-hydel projects have been completed and the target of 1000 would likely be met by October this year.

He said this will bring about a mini-economic revolution for the people living on the mountains.

He reiterated that ''Kashmiriyat'' holds the key to the future of the state, restoring peace and prosperity in this paradise on earth.

''One of the highlights of our recently-concluded successful Amarnath pilgrimage was the five-day Sufi music extravaganza organised by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board in cooperation with other agencies,'' he added.

The participation of top artists from the country and also from Pakistan made the event memorable, Gen Sinha said, adding the music reverberated in the hearts of many in the audience, reviving feelings of Kashmiriyat among them.

Felicitating the people, he said the Independence Day reminded of sacrifices of valiant freedom fighters who laid down their lives to see the country free from alien rule and contributed towards building an India where avenues of progress and prosperity were available to all, irrespective of their religion, race or region.

Carrying forward the mission of our great leaders, the nation has made considerable progress in economic development, social reforms and political evolution. We are the leading nation in providing human resource to the world. Today, India is seen as a strong and stable country with a deep-rooted democracy, which is steadily emerging as a major economic power,'' the Governor said.

In this odyssey of nation's progress and development, he said Jammu and Kashmir has been a proud partner in scaling new heights.

Notwithstanding the reign of terror unleashed by ''criminals masquerading as Jehadis'', sound foundations of development were being laid in the state.

''I salute the courageous people of Jammu and Kashmir and our valiant security forces for their united fight against the demon of terrorism. The day is not far when we will triumph against the cult of violence and restore Kashmir to its pristine glory,'' he said.

UNI