AFVOA Newletters of Year 2005

Page 13 of 75 befitting tourist attraction. He referred to the upkeep of Bahu Fort and Raninder Park and said that various other spots are required to be developed for incoming tourists. Mufti Sayeed said that the coalition Government evolved a multi-faceted strategy to herald a new era of peace in the State, for which the army cooperated in a big way. 51. Referring to the launching of Jammu- Udhampur rail link, the Chief Minister said that this will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. 52. Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma saluted the valour of Indian Army in defending territorial integrity of the country during wars and the on-going proxy war. He said that the army and the people have offered many sacrifices in braving the challenges of terrorism and heralding peace in the State. He appreciated the army-civil liaison and said that the concept of Jawaan and Awaam has been working very well in foiling the conspiracies of Pakistan. 53. Mr. Sharma said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have always remained in the forefront to foil the machinations of elements inimical to peace and have helped the armed forces in combating terrorism. As a result of concerted efforts, a change is discernible in the situation as a result of which tourism, particularly religious tourism has picked up. He referred to the Sadhbawna mission of the Army and said this has brought cheer to many lives and ameliorated the lot of people in far-flung and remote areas. 54. Chief of Army Staff, General N C Vij, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt. General Hari Prasad and the Corps Commander 16 Corps also addressed the distinguished gathering of Ministers, Legislators, prominent citizens, senior army, civil and police officers. Lady Governor, Mrs Premini Sinha was also present on the occasion. Amid all-religious prayers, COAS laid the foundation stone of Balidan Stambh. (source: Excelsior Special Correspondent http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/web1/05jan07/news.htm#3 ) Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget. ~ Unknown Next Meeting 55. Details of the Meet are as follows: Day and Date: Sunday the 20 th March 2005 Place of Assembly: Palm Grove Officers Institute, Island Grounds Time of Assembly 1700 hrs – Tombola commences 1830 hrs Presentation on Service in the Cause of Disability by AVM Krishnaswamy, VSM `Dinner Commencing 1930 hrs 56. Members are requested to pay a nominal amount of Rs 50.00 per head as contribution towards defraying the cost of catering. The amount may please be sent in advance, directly to the Treasurer at the address given at the end of the Newsletter. Nevertheless, the Organizing Committee requests Members to phone in their confirmations to the following positively by Wednesday the 16 th March 2005, so as to ensure adequate catering for all the members confirming attendance. Brig SP Balachandran 5218 4916 Maj Gen R Karthikeyan 2249 1704 Col A Krishnaswami VrC, VSM** 2491 1233 Wg Cdr ME Muthu 2441 6289 Cdr SR Prasad 2536 4008 Brig NB Subramanian 2490 3934