Kashmir is elixir of my life, Governor Sinha

Srinagar, Jun 20 (UNI) Describing Kashmir as the elixir of his life, the outgoing Governor, Lt General (retd) S K Sinha has said he drew inspiration from the chinar leaves, scenic beauty of the Dal Lake and the friendly relations that he had forged with the people of the state.

''Time has come for me to hang up my boots,'' the Governor said at the farewell dinner hosted by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad in his honour here last evening.

He said it was an overwhelming and touching moment to say farewell to a place and people with whom he had been associated for six decades.

General Sinha described Kashmir as panacea for his life and fondly recalled his association with the Valley ever since 1947.

He attributed his keenness for history to his stay in Kashmir and said he utilised his years on mountains in the Valley in study, and developed his knowledge in history through the state.

He said those early days were very difficult as no transistors or helicopters were available and he spent most of the time in pickets in different parts of the state.

General Sinha lauded the role of army in the state saying it had been performing a commendable job.

He said he wanted to project the army in the right perspective and influenced the construction of a museum at the Badami Bagh Cantonment in Srinagar to showcase its services in the state.

He also praised the state Police for its excellent role and said it was the only force to have been awarded colours by the president.

Calling himself as a policeman by birth and soldier by profession, he said he felt proud of both the army and the police in Jammu&Kashmir.

Earlier, the Mr Azad said he was highly impressed by the personality of General Sinha who had a remarkable memory and amazing knowledge of history.

He said he had heard about several events of that crucial period of Kashmir history around 1947 from him. He said he felt envious of the perfect eye sight of the Governor who did not use spectacles even at an advanced age.

UNI BAS YSS SW RN1852