Personnel of the Special Operation Group (SOG) of J&K Police after an encounter with millitants at Soura in Srinagar (Press Trust of India)
Germany today strongly condemned the militant attacks in the Kashmir Valley terming them as an attempt to "counter" the ongoing democratic process.
German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner said people in Kashmir have shunned terror by coming out in large numbers to vote which was a very "good sign".
"I think it was a heinous act (terror attacks). I condemn that in the strongest terms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that this is the last resort of those who want to counter
a democratic process which is on the way. So many people came out and took part in the election process. This is a very good sign," Steiner said.
The German Embassy in September last year had organised a music concert in Srinagar with world renowned music conductor Zubin Mehta despite opposition from separatists and threats from some militant groups.
"Fact is that people don't follow this message (of terror). People don't like this message. We are with the people and of course with the victims of this dreadful act," he added on the sidelines of an event organised by the German Embassy to usher in Christmas.
The Embassy also arranged a vintage car, that belonged to Hari Singh, the last Maharaja of Kashmir, ferrying a man dressed as St Nicholas, a popular Christian Saint among
children across Europe.
Although the envoy flatly denied on being asked whether Germany is sending out a political message through this event, as the embassy used elephants for the same in the last few years.
"It's not a political message...This is the right time to show that we are with them," he said.
The ambassador exuded confidence of finding a solution to the issue relating to teaching of German language in Kendriya Vidyalayas.
"The Supreme Court is seized of the matter. This is the time we need to be silent. I am confident that a wise decision will be taken. I have always been and am still very
confident," Steiner said.