Jammu, June 26: Calling for an end to violence in Jammu and Kashmir, President A P J Abdul Kalam today expressed the hope that "good times" and peace would soon return to the militancy-hit state. "I hope good times and peace will be back soon and all people and media should help in spreading the message of peace for its early return," Kalam told reporters after meeting school children at Raj Bhawan here.

"I urge all to end the violence on the behalf of children, who want return of peace and prosperity to the state," he added.

Many generations have suffered due to militancy in the state and for bringing prosperity, it was important to end the violence, Kalam told the children during a 50-minute interaction with them.

"I will pray for the fulfillment of the young hearts` wish of peace," he said adding those preaching violence have also suffered.

When asked by a student how Jammu and Kashmir could become a great state on all fronts, Kalam said, "The first step towards it is to end violence, which is the only problem hindering it."

"It is a great dream that you have of J&K becoming the greatest state of India," he said adding "for this you should get your family, society and teachers transformed on the path of development."

He asked the children not to be frightened by violence. "Instead you should beat and defeat violence and sorrow." Kalam said that peace and prosperity were essential if India was to become a developed nation by 2020.

Earlier speaking at a function in Udhampur after giving away colours to J&K Police, Kalam asked the state authorities to "remove fear from the hearts of children and bring back smiles on their faces".

"It is the responsibility of the governor, the chief minister, army and police to make the children smile by removing fear from their hearts," he said.

Bureau Report