J&K governor hopes elected government would take over soon

Jammu and Kashmir governor N.N. Vohra Monday hoped an elected government would soon take over the reins of governance, reflecting the wishes of the people who voted in large numbers in last year's assembly election in the state.

Vohra presided over the main 66th Republic Day function in the state Monday which was held at the M.A.M. Stadium in winter capital Jammu.

The governor took the salute at the ceremonial parade after hoisting the national flag.

Vohra spoke of the sufferings faced by the people during the unprecedented floods last year and the efforts being made by the central and the state government to mitigate the people's sufferings.

"The people of the state were still engaged in dealing with the many problems created by the floods when the schedule of state assembly elections was announced. Notwithstanding their sufferings and varied threats, the election witnessed a voter turnout of an unprecedented high level which confirmed, yet again, the people's deeply rooted trust in the democratic process.

"After the successful conduct of elections, I believe the people's mandate shall very soon lead to the installation of the next government".

He also referred to "consistently negative trans-border factors and challenges to maintenance of peace and normalcy in the state because of these factors.

"It is a matter for serious concern that the past year witnessed repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and continuing attempts at infiltration across the international border and the line of control.

"The repeated instances of unprovoked heavy firing from across the border caused loss of innocent lives and damage to the properties of those who are living in the villages along the border".

Vohra said, "The menace of corruption and unaccountability, which has permeated all levels of functioning, shall need to be fought and eradicated with unflinching determination. Urgent steps shall also need to be taken for restoring the integrity of all public institutions, particularly those which are the watchdogs of governance".

Smartly turned out contingents of the army, paramilitary forces, state police, home guards and school children marched before the podium where Vohra flanked by state director general of police, K. Rajendra Kumar, took the salute.

A large number of people including VIPs, senior officials and the general public had come to witness the Republic Day parade.

The authorities had pressed into service 100 vehicles of the state road transport corporation to ferry people to the parade venue.

Entry into the stadium was regulated by squads of security men who frisked the people both physically and electronically before allowing them to enter.

In the Kashmir Valley, an impressive parade was held at the Bakshi Stadium in summer capital Srinagar under tight security.

Cross parking of mobile security bunkers on main roads, erection of barricades and drop gates besides posting of sharp-shooters on high-rise buildings around the Bakshi Stadium were some of the security measures taken in Srinagar.

Flag hoisting and parades were also held at all the district headquarters where the district magistrates took the salute.

Normally, ministers preside over such functions on Republic Day. The district magistrates presided over these functions this year because of governor's rule in the state.

Meanwhile, separatists called for a valley-wide shutdown Monday but no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the state.

After Sunday's violation of the bilateral ceasefire by Pakistan Rangers on the international border in the Jammu region, both the international border and the line of control were calm Monday.