Jammu and Kashmir [Images] Governor S K Sinha on Thursday said the state has made major progress in controlling militancy.

He said with the improved situation, the state is steering towards "peace and progress".

Also Read Militants kill minister's mother Militants looking at Bangladesh as transit point Newly-elected councillor killed

The death rate in militancy-related incidents has come down from 10 a day in 2003 to three a day in recent months, he said.

He was interacting with a group of 30 local heads from Udhampur and Rajouri districts, who returned recently from an army-sponsored tour of the country.

Sinha said "Kashmiriyat" is a strong weapon to fight terrorism.

"You are the inheritors of a great ethos and after having seen the vastness of the country, you can return to your areas as ambassadors of peace," the governor said.

He also appreciated the army's initiative in organising tours for students, village elders and elected representatives.