J and K Governor hopes for peace in the New Year

Jammu, Dec 31 (UNI) Notwithstanding the gloomy turn of events in the neighbourhood, Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen S K Sinha(Retd) today raised an ardent hope for violence-free subcontinent in the dawn of the New Year, with both, India and Pakistan playing key role in the war with terrorism.

In his New Year message, the Governor said the demon of terror has bounced back and shaken the foundations of the very soil from where it was created.

''It is not the time to trace the genesis of terrorism, it is also not the time to put blame on anyone, but it is an occasion when we must be determined to fight back elements which are inimical to peace, with grit and set the agenda with renewed understanding to infuse a sense of security to our people,'' Lt Gen Sinha added.

Like the last two decades, the year of 2007 continued to be a year of suffering, on account of senseless violence, albeit on a much reduced scale.

''The situation has improved considerably,'' the Governor said.

Earnestly praying that in the New Year the state emerges out of the dark tunnel of violence into the bright shine of peace and prosperity.

The J and K government has made tremendous efforts and taken great strides towards development of the state, he maintained.

Lt Gen Sinha reaffirmed his belief that the composite culture of Jammu and Kashmir is the strongest weapon to defeat the cult of violence.

''Let us all vow together to revive our unique heritage of amity and brotherhood, enshrined in 'Kashmiriyat'.

''A great future awaits the state, as the crown of India and as the paradise on earth,'' the Governor said.

While greeting and extending good wishes to the people, he also expressed sympathies with the families who lost their near and dear ones in the ''senseless'' killings during the year.

UNI