New Delhi: President A P J Abdul Kalam on October 21 hoped that normalcy would be restored in Jammu and Kashmir following the successful holding of elections to the state Assembly.

Speaking at an exhibition of paintings by children whose parents had been killed in militancy-related violence in Jammu and Kashmir, he said the entire nation was with the people of the state in their fight against terrorism and appreciated their participation in the recent elections.

Kalam, who spent about 30 minutes interacting with children, spoke of the immense biodiversity in the state, which needed to be developed properly through proper nurturing.

Appreciating the paintings done by the children, he said they belonged to a very beautiful state and should strive hard to restore peace and communal harmony.

The exhibition was organised by CII and an NGO Sadhbhavana at the Habitat Centre.

PTI