Prays for the well being of people of J&K.

JAMMU, DECEMBER 31 - The Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, has extended New Year greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and prayed for their well-being, and peace, progress and prosperity in the State. 

In his New Year message, the Governor described 2009 as an important year in the history of the State in many ways. Recalling the events of the outgoing year he observed that after a brief spell of Governor’s Rule, a popularly elected government, led by Mr. Omar Abdullah, was established a year ago. The overall security scenario had improved and militancy related violence had witnessed a notable decline.  

The Governor said that the overwhelming participation of the people in the Parliamentary Elections of 2009, held immediately after the successful Assembly elections of 2008, had yet again demonstrated their abiding faith in democracy. This, had further renewed the expectations of the people. With liberal financial support from the Centre, for speeding up the socio-economic development process in Jammu and Kashmir, a great opportunity is awaiting the people. To enable the rapid growth of the State it would be necessary for all shades of public opinion to shed rigid postures and become vigorous partners in the process of reconstruction and socio-economic transformation of the State, in harmony with the aspirations of the common man.  

Recalling that Jammu and Kashmir’s glorious pluralistic ethos and high traditions of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity and secularism are our biggest strength, the Governor stressed the need for effectively restoring these values and strengthening these bonds to enable the State to achieve sustained peace and normalcy. He complimented the Police, Army and other Security Forces for their continuing sacrifices to tackle terrorism and restore complete normalcy in J&K. 

The Governor mentioned that the highest-ever number of pilgrims visiting the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and the satisfactory conduct of Shri Amarnathji Yatra during the year pointed to the very high potential of J&K emerging as the foremost tourist destination in the country.  

The Governor prayed for the well-being of the people and hoped that the 2010 would be a harbinger of harmony and uninterrupted development of the State.