Monday, March 13 2006 12:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: Observing that militants are "polluting religion", Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the ultras were committing crimes in killing innocent people and targeting women.

Accusing the ultras of misusing the religious concept of "Jehad", the Chief Minister said that "if by 'Jehad' they mean plunder and destruction, they are definitely mistaken and committing crimes against the teachings of Islam and God."

"For me 'Jehad' stands for wiping out tears from the eyes of the poor, uprooting the menace of corruption, giving justice to everyone and saving mankind from miseries and fear," he said while addressing public meetings at Chirala and Hallaran in Thathri area of Doda district yesterday (Mar 13 2006).

Urging militants to give up violence, he said it would be a "step in the right direction."

The Chief Minister said that the state was returning to a "conducive situation" and a new opportunity had become available to people to come forward and contribute to lasting peace and prosperity.

"I have vowed to give you a 'khushhal' (prosperous) state devoid of corruption and injustice. My only demand from you is to give me a hand in accomplishing the stupendous task," he said.

He also asked the people to inform the government about lapses in the functioning of the administrative machinery.