Forces can't lower guard on borders: J and K Guv

Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra said on Saturday that security forces can’t lower their guard on the borders until sustained calm prevails.

In his address, after hoisting the Tricolour at the State level function on the occasion of the 63th Republic Day in Jammu, the governor said that growth and development can take place only in an environment of sustained peace and normalcy.

“Jammu and Kashmir has not been able to timely pursue and achieve its developmental goals because of the malicious trans-border factors and the serious internal disturbances which our people have had to face for so many years,” he said.

“In the past two years there has been a decline in the incidence of terrorist violence and if there are no adverse developments along our frontiers in the coming time our people can look forward to enjoying the fruits of peace.”

The governor said: “In the past six and a half decades, since we attained Independence, the country has faced difficulties and challenges on many fronts. However, despite various constraints, we have been able to achieve outstanding successes in many sectors of growth and development. It is noteworthy that besides being the second most populous country and the largest democracy in the world, India is steadily growing as one of the largest economies.”

He also said that connectivity issues need to be addressed for all round development in the state.