New generation will defeat all communal forces: J

Srinagar, May 30 (UNI) Expressing the confidence that forward looking new generation would allow communal forces to succeed, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today said India's unity in diversity had proved the prophets of gloom wrong who had predicted its disintegration on the basis of diverse language, religion and culture.

Speaking at the valedictory function of the National Integration Camp organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Directorate of National Cadet Corps here this morning, General Sinha said that India's secular credentials are well established the world over.

He observed that discordant notes of secessionist voices on religious lines are not in consonance with our pluralistic ethos.

The Governor said that some elements were thriving on the communal card but the people in general have negated all such attempts which weaken the unity of this great Nation.

The Governor exuded confidence that the forward looking new generation will not get swayed by such machinations and keep the national integration intact.

He said our youth were embodiment of secular philosophy and inheritors of great ethos, which is unparalleled in the world.

''Is there any parallel of this great nation in the world where 80 per cent majority is elated to have the people from 20 per cent minorities holding all the top political slots in New Delhi', he asked, adding 'this has never happened in any democracy, nor is it likely to be repeated anywhere'.

General Sinha said that India has an inherent strength of overcoming its problems and referred to the quelling of linguistic secessionism in Tamil Nadu, religious secessionism in Punjab and tribal terrorism in Assam.

On the contrary, he said, the neighbouring country without naming Pakistan, fell victim to linguistic secessionism and disintegrated in spite of being the followers of the same religion.

He said the Indian Army has the unique tradition of being a political and secular, the only such Army in the Third World. He made a mention of Mandir Masjid Gurdwara Complex in the JAKLI Centre, the venue of the National Integration Camp, and said the common hall for all religious prayers reflect the Army's commitment to secularism.

Elaborating on the designs of religious zealots, the Governor said that the people of Kashmir, the land which is known as paradise on earth for beauty, amity, peace and brotherhood, will never allow the evil plans of religious separatists to succeed.

UNI