Cross-border factors are hurdles in development of Jammu and Kashmir: NN Vohra

JAMMU: Holding various cross-border factors responsible for the hurdles in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, Governor NN Vohra today said that maintenance of peace and public order was imperative for sustained growth.

Amidst unprecedented multi-tier security across the region, the Republic Day celebrations passed off peacefully at the Maulana Azad stadium in Jammu here here with no untoward incident reported from any part of the area.

"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", Vohra said.

Vohra said that maintenance of peace and public order was imperative for securing sustained growth and development.

"It is a matter of serious concern that the past year witnessed repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement and continuing attempts of infiltration across the International Border and the Line of Control," he said.

There have been two terrorist attacks from across the IB last year, he added.

"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.

The Governor also lauded the role of the armed forces in the state for their dedication and commitment towards safeguarding the national security.

"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", he said.

There were general inputs that militant outfits might try to disrupt the peaceful celebrations by attacking "soft targets" in Jammu and Kashmir ahead or during the Republic Day celebrations.

"Police, army and paramilitary forces were kept on high alert across the state, elaborate security arrangements were kept in place to ensure that the Republic Day celebration are held incident-free," a senior police officer said.

The celebrations in the state by-and-large passed off peacefully.

"The celebrations went of peacefully in the frontier districts of Poonch and Rajouri, celebrations were also held at other district headquarters in Kathua, Samba, Doda and other districts of the region," a police officer said.