JK: 2007 was both continuity and consolidation

Jammu, Jan 7: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt Gen S K Sinha (Retd) today expressed his satisfaction over the working of his government in 2007, stating it ''a year of both continuity and consolidation''.

In his 55-minute-long address to the joint session of State Legislature this morning, Lt Gen Singh said, ''Our ultimate objective is to establish and consolidate a society that is peaceful and prosperous, harmonious and cohesive, forward-looking and all-inclusive.'' He said the consolidation of the peace process was going on relentlessly within the state as the number of initiatives taken during the year and the previous years have begun to show ''impresive results''.

The year 2007, Lt Gen Sinha said, had itnessed the lowest number of militancy related incidents and civilian killings.

The government, he said, had remained committed to the protection of human rights. ''We have practically achieved the goal of zero tolerance to violations of human rights. Prompt action has been taken by the government whenever complaints were received,'' the Governor said.

He also lauded the State Government's efforts in building up relationships between the devided parts of the state -- Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK)and J and K.

''Till now 2,215 people from our side and 3,061 from PoK have travelled across the (Line of Control) LoC using Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakote bus service,'' he informed.

Meanwhile, he said, efforts were being made for opening of the Kargil-Skardu road as had also been recommended by the working group on ''Strengthening Relations Across the LoC''.

UNI