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J&K governor calls for all-out bid to defeat Pak designs

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Girish Chandra 'Gary' Saxena today called for efforts to counter Pakistan's propaganda and checkmate its attempt to internationalise the Kashmir issue.

The governor, who was in New Delhi to attend the 28th meeting of the Vaishnodevi Shrine Board, said efforts must be made to blunt the propaganda offensive launched by the separatists to win over the few Kashmiris who may still be feeling alienated from India.

He said these efforts would have to be made simultaneously on all fronts -- political, economic, administrative and diplomatic. The situation has to be met by the political leadership and administrative machinery through developmental activities, he said.

Saxena, a former head of the Research and Analysis Wing, said although the situation in the Kashmir Valley is better now, there is no scope for complacency and there could be "ups and downs" in consolidating the gains of the last two years.

Moreover, he said, there are "new challenges" in areas south of the Pir Panjal range, including Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts of Jammu region, for which a "different response" has been put into action. He did not give details, however.

Saxena said the most daunting task is tackling the foreign mercenaries active in the state. But the most important factor in the government's favour is that popular support for the militants is waning, he added.

UNI

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