Kalam meets quake victims in Kashmir
by Bilal Butt

     Srinagar/Tangdhar: President APJ Abdul Kalam, who is on a two-day visit to the quake-affected areas of the state, praised the courage shown by the quake victims while facing the aftermath of the calamity and asked them to master the problems instead of being mastered by it. In an interaction with the local people, Kalam said: "I laud the courage of the people of Tangdhar in defeating their problems. I would suggest that you master the problem rather than the problems being your masters". Responding to a demand for a tunnel across Sadana Pass, Kalam said that nothing could stop people with good intention, adding that the State Governor and Chief Minster would take care of their requirement. "When your intentions are good, nothing can stop you. When God is with you, nobody can be against you. The Governor (S K Sinha) and Chief Minister (Ghulam Nabi Azad) are here with me and they will see what do you all require," said the President.

    While addressing an army gathering at Tangdhar brigade, later, lauded efforts made by the soldiers for guarding the borders of the nation and assisting the civilians in times of need. Earlier today, Kalam, who arrived Srinagar in a special aircraft, was received by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Jammu and Kashmir Governor Lieutenant (retired) S K Sinha. Some of State Cabinet ministers and other senior civil, army and police officers were also present on the airport. "I've come here to meet the people of Tangdhar, Uri and Oodasa, where they've been affected by the earthquake. The Sate Government and the armed forces have done a good job. They've given me a review. My concern was the approaching winter and snow conditions and how the rehabilitation work is going and whether food conditions are ok or not. This is why I've come here and I've been given a briefing about all that", said Kalam to media persons at the Srinagar Airport. The President will spend the night at the Raj Bhavan before visiting more quake-hit areas in Uri and Urusa on Sunday. Kalam, who was earlier scheduled to visit the state on November 10-11 which had to be cancelled due to death of former President KR Narayanan, will return to New Delhi on Sunday evening.