Srinagar, June 04: Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today took over as governor of Jammu and Kashmir and said he would be working with the state government to restore peace and prosperity in the militancy-infested state. Sinha was administered oath of office by acting Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Vijay Kumar Jhanjhi at a function at Raj Bhawan here.
The swearing-in was attended by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, his cabinet colleagues, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah and members of legislative assembly and council besides top civil, police and army officials.
Sinha replaced G C Saxena, who completed his second term as governor of the state on May 4 but continued till the end of the month pending his successor taking charge.
Speaking to media persons after the swearing-in ceremony, Sinha said his appointment in the state was more like a "home coming" with an association that dated back to historic October 27, 1947.
"I was incharge of the massive airlift operation on October 2', 2003. We carried out 800 sorties (of ferrying troops to Kashmir in view of tribal invasion from Pakistan) in 18 days which was the largest airlift operation in the world till the Berlin airlift years later, Sinha said.
Sinha said he had served in the state as part of the army for 12 years in every sector. Bureau Report