President A P J Abdul Kalam on Thursday presented colours to the Jammu and Kashmir police at an impressive function in the sprawling Sher-e-Kashmir Police Training Academy in Udhampur.

Kalam, while commending the participation of the police in the 'nation's determination to keep J&K as an integral part of India', called for a 'cohesive endeavour to remove fear from the hearts of terror-stricken people of the state'.

After the function, the President said, "People are craving for peace and a great responsibility lies on the army, air force, police and the state administration to achieve this objective courageously."

Kalam said he was 'aware of the happiness and pains of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as I remain continuously in touch with them'.

He referred to his frequent interaction with the youngsters of Kashmir during children science exhibitions, painting competitions or at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and said while giving 'vent to their haunting fears they always express their deep longing for peace'.

"They feel themselves as happy and proud citizens and children of Jammu and Kashmir besides the Indian nation, but want their fears to be removed for smiles to don their faces.

"Removing their pains and bringing smile on their faces is my only message to all."

The President eulogised the role of the J&K police in combating militancy and said that it has been the 'first force to deal with all types of terrorism'.

He expressed his admiration for the 60000-strong police force that 'always stood in the forefront and offered sacrifices of 860 personnel for the safety and security of the nation'.

He referred to the early phase of militancy in 1990 and said that during the 'upheaval, when the very edifice of the national authority was challenged in Kashmir', the police 'emerged as the only visible face that was called upon to deliver multifarious functions'.

He said the force played a big role in joint operations with army and security forces. "The police are credited with giving precious sacrifices in various operations in defending the national aspirations and maintaining law and order."