President Patil arrives in Kashmir on her maiden visit

Srinagar, May 23 (UNI) President Pratibha Devisingh Patil arrived here today on a four-day state visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

She was received at the airport by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz.

Ms Patil was presented a guard of honour at the aiport.

Later, she left for Baramulla border in north Kashmir to get a first-hand experience of the forward areas, and spend time with the troops deployed there.

At Baramulla, she would address the jawans and have lunch with them.

She is scheduled to deliver the convocation address of the Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences in Srinagar, and inaugurate the Institute of Kashmir Studies at Kashmir University, here.

On May 25, the President would inaugurate the University Complex at Bhadarwah in Jammu region, where she will also participate in the convocation of the Sher-I-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science and Technology on May 26.

The President will leave Jammu for Himachal Pradesh on a state visit and participate in official functions.

UNI BAS PY ND1210