‘Pak continues support to terror’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: Governor Satya Pal Malik today blamed Pakistan for continuing its support to terrorists and engineering infiltration across the Indo-Pak border to disrupt peace and harmony in the State.
He said the administration was taking required measures to alleviate the sufferings of border dwellers.
“Our neighbouring country (Pakistan) continues to support terrorists to disrupt peace and harmony in the State,” Malik said in his message on the occasion of 70th Republic Day, without naming Pakistan.
He said there have been repeated attempts to infiltrate terrorists across the International Border and Line of Control.
“Repeated ceasefire violations have brought untold hardships to the people living in the villages along the borders,” Malik said and hailed the armed forces and State police for working tirelessly in maintaining unity and integrity of the nation.
“Notwithstanding the tough terrain, climate and other challenges, our armed and security forces continue to maintain strict vigil and alertness on our frontiers,” he said.
“Our armed and police forces also carried out effective operations to neutralize the largest number of terrorists ever in a year,” Malik said and added: “Our hearts also go out to the families of the civilians who lost their loved ones in the wanton violence”.
Lauding courage of the security personnel, the Governor said: “Our Jawans have been working in extremely difficult circumstances in the State. We salute the brave Army and police Jawans who have offered supreme sacrifices for maintaining peace and tranquility in Jammu and Kashmir. The nation remains indebted to them. All our thoughts and prayers are with the families of such martyrs and it is incumbent upon us all to bring joy in their lives. Our hearts also go out to the families of the civilians who lost their loved ones in the wanton violence”.
Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir has been passing through a crucial phase offering challenges and opportunities, Malik said the youth today are brimming with hope and aspiration and they are looking for a path which will bring success, satisfaction and happiness in their lives.
“It is a matter of deep anguish that a number of our youth some of whom were pursuing professional studies, were influenced by extremist ideologies to pick up gun and join groups which perpetrate violence. This has added to the difficulties and sufferings of the people particularly in the Valley. It is our sanguine belief that violence and a confrontationist approach is no antidote to addressing any issue(s).
“A number of precious and innocent lives have been lost due to mindless and dastardly violence. As I said earlier also our hearts go out to the bereaved families who have lost their dear ones. We shall have to find ways to remove such ugly scars of violence forever from our beautiful landscape by strengthening the discourse of peace. This is our collective responsibility and can be discharged only with active cooperation and support of our people,” the Governor said.
He added that in order to channelize the energy of the youth in constructive and nation building activities, the Department of Youth Services & Sports has given focused attention to the development and up-gradation of sports infrastructure in the State.
Referring to corruption, Malik described it as a threat saying: “We all need to counter this in the most concerted, cohesive and determined manner. This menace can be best fought when there is an appropriate institutional framework in place to act as deterrent. The first ever Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has been established in the State. The establishment of ACB is one of the important elements of the Mission Good Governance and Development. The Jammu and Kashmir Vigilance Commission Act has been amended to make it more vibrant and effective. We have also amended Prevention of Corruption Act to give it more teeth”.
He appealed to the members of the Civil Society, political parties and leaders of all social, cultural, religious and other organizations in the State to come forward and lend their hands in building a prosperous J&K which will be a role model for other states.
“On this joyous seventieth Republic Day, I extend warm greetings to the people of Jammu & Kashmir. On this day, we remember and pay tributes to the founding fathers of the nation who fought for our freedom and handed over to us a Constitution that guarantees liberty, equality and justice,” the Governor said.
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