Don't be caged by politics: Kalam

President A P J Abdul Kalam on Tuesday asked governors and Lt governors not to 'remain caged in the confines' of the political world or ancestry.

He asked them to ensure the Governor's office is a 'beacon light in the affairs of the state'.

"The Governor's role is to distil the best of aspirations of the people from the vicissitudes of politics. It is like preserving the light of dharma," he said while inaugurating the second Governors' Conference in New Delhi.

Kalam said the office of the governor was bestowed with the independence to rise above the day-to-day politics and override compulsions either emanating from the Centre or the state.

The governor by definition and in the spirit of our Constitution is the first citizen of the state, he said.

"If you continue to nurture certain affiliations, many will hesitate in approaching you with suggestions and problems," the President said, adding, "This will lead to your isolation."

Speaking on security imperatives and border management, Kalam said the country has for long suffered from the disturbance caused by certain disgruntled elements in society.

"I have visited almost all the forward posts in the northern sector," he said, adding, "We are immensely proud of our
security forces that have been a strong bulwark against the forces inimical to our nationhood and sovereignty."

Besides continued diplomatic initiatives at various levels, the Centre conjointly with the states have adopted a multi-pronged conflict-management strategy, including the strengthening of border management to check infiltration through border fencing, the President added.

Referring to cooperation extended by Bhutan in flushing out militants engaged in terrorist activities against India, Kalam said, "We need to give momentum to similar partnerships with our other neighbours to send a message throughout our region that violence and terrorist activities will not be tolerated."