Lt Gen (retd) S K Sinha on Wednesday 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.
Gen Sinha was administered oath of office by acting Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir high court Vijay Kumar Jhanjhi at a simple ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.
The swearing-in was attended by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, his Cabinet colleagues, former chief minister Farooq Abdullah and members of legislative assembly and council. Top civil, police and army officials were also present.
Gen Sinha replaces G C Saxena, who completed his second term as governor of Jammu and Kashmir on May 4.
Speaking to mediapersons after the swearing-in ceremony, Gen Sinha said his appointment in the state was more like a home coming. He said his association with Jammu and Kashmir dates back to October 27, 1947.
"I was in-charge of the massive airlift operation. We carried out 800 sorties (ferrying troops to Kashmir to face tribal invasion from Pakistan) in 18 days which was the largest airlift operation in the world till the Berlin airlift a few years later," Gen Sinha said.
He said he served in the state as an army officer for 12 years in every sector.
Asked how he percieved the current political situation in the state, Gen Sinha said: "I am confident under the leadership of the chief minister we will save Kashmir fully."
He said the trends in the state were encouraging.
Asked what role did he intend to play in the state, the governor said: "I have experience of serving in a militancy-infested state under two different governments. I will do my best to assist the state government here to achieve its goals."
Gen Sinha has taken over at a stage when fresh hopes have been raised about the resolution of the Kashmir dispute with India and Pakistan inching towards a dialogue and complete normalisation of relations.
Born in 1926, Gen Sinha served the army with distinction holding several important assignments, including director, military intelligence and vice-chief of army staff.
A prolific writer, he authored five books and contributed more than 300 articles on various issues in several national newspapers.
His works include an autobiography, 'A Soldier Recalls' and a book on Jammu and Kashmir operation of 1947-48. He also had a stint as an ambassador to Nepal.