Indian Army best in the world: JK Governor

Reasi, Apr 11: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen S K Sinha (Retd) today commended the Indian Army for maintaining a people-friendly approach while fighting against militancy, which has claimed thousands of innocent lives in the state in the last 18 years.

Lt Gen Sinha, who inaugurated the 'Shakti Sadan' -- a home to the women victims of militancy -- here, quoted the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan and said, ''There is no other humane example of Army than India's in the world.'' He recalled the Army's role in the rescue operation after the October 8, 2005 earthquake that shook the entire state, burying hundreds of people alive.

During his tours in the Valley to review the situation after the quake, the Governor said people had told that it was the Army which had come to their rescue first.

''People (of Jammu and Kashmir) had said that they wanted the Army to be with them,'' he said.

The Army had always been there to support the people of Jammu and Kashmir and had played an active role in rescue operations during disasters, Lt Gen Sinha said.

Comming with this spirit, the Army has built 'Shakti Sadan' under Operation Sadbhawana to support the women victims of militancy from the interior sub-divisions of Mahore, Gul, Gulabgarh, Budhal and Pouni in the Reasi district.

Built at a cost of Rs 25 lakh, 'Shakti Sadan' comprises of a Vocational Training Centre and a Women Empowerment Centre.

The twin projects of 'Ankur' and 'Shakti Sadan' were based on the underlying philosophy of spreading human kindness and empathy, empowering children and women who are victims of militancy, both psychologically and physically, to make them equal with one and all, according to commander Uniform Force Maj Gen Vinay Bhatnagar.

Lt Gen HS Panag, GOC-in-C Northern Command, Lt Gen TK Sapru, GOC, XVI Corps, officers of civil administration were also present at the function.

UNI