JK facing hurdles in growth due to cross-border factors: Guv

Jammu and Kashmir had to face several hurdles in maintaining the required pace of growth due to consistent and negative trans-border factors, Governor N N Vohra today said while referring to Pakistan in his Republic Day message.
He said that maintenance of peace and public order is necessary for securing sustained growth and development.
"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," he said.
"Because of the consistently negative trans-border factors and recurring challenges to the maintenance of peace and normalcy, Jammu and Kashmir has continued to face varied hurdles in maintaining the required pace for securing its growth and developmental goals," he said.

The Governor said that the Jammu region faced two terror attacks and repeated firing from across the border last year.
"In Jammu region, there were two terrorist attacks from across the IB last year. 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," he said.

Vohra commended the role played by the security forces.
The Governor said, "I take this opportunity to salute the state and Central armed police forces and the Army for their uncompromising commitment and devotion to duty and pay homage to all the brave officers and men who have sacrificed their lives to safeguard national security."

The Governor also highlighted the devastation caused by last year's floods in the state.
About 15 lakh families were adversely affected by the floods that wreaked havoc in the state in September last year, he said.
"As per governmental assessments, about 15 lakh families were adversely affected by the floods, which caused enormous damage to roads, bridges, power and health systems.
"In Kashmir Valley, about one-and-a-half lakh marooned people were rescued while in the Jammu region thousands had to be evacuated to safer places," Vohra said.
The Governor said that the rescue operations launched by the administration were very strongly supported by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army.