New Delhi, Oct 07: Despite facing continued attempts of increasing violence in Jammu and Kashmir from across the border, state Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today expressed satisfaction over the peaceful completion of festival season without any militant violence. "Today we are engaged in critical situation with our neighbour....(but still) through strict security measures, we were able to keep the terrorists at bay during the festival season," Sinha said here inaugurating the offerings to Mata Vaishnodevi shrine through ICICI Bank's ATM network.

Complementing the security forces, Sinha said the vigil in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on pilgrims visiting the holy shrines in the state had paid rich dividends as the Amarnath yatra as well as during the Navaratra festival was free of any violence. "This is a good sign," the governor said.

Referring to opening of Ladakh route for Mansarovar Yatra, Sinha said "if proper initiatives were taken by the neighbour (China), it will be possible to travel to this holy pilgrimage from Ladakh very soon."

Bureau Report