Baramulla (JK), May 23: On a five-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, President Prathiba Patil today said border violations would be strongly dealt with by the army.

"We will deal sternly with any kind of violation on our borders," Patil said, addressing troops at a 'Sainik Sammelan' here.

Patil, who arrived in Srinagar this morning on her tour of the state, said the progress of a nation depended on the safety of its borders.

"When the borders of a country are safe, the nations develop and progress," she said.

Patil said the Government was trying to provide all facilities to the armed forces to allow them to discharge their duties.

"Your hard work and courage have been instrumental in making Indian army one of the greatest armies in the world. We want to give you more and more facilities," she said, adding that the government was taking into account the fact that the soldiers were serving the nation while being away from their families.

"I am confident that borders of the country are safe in your hands," the President said.

Lauding the efforts of the army in maintaining the sanctity of the borders, the President said "your courage has set a benchmark for other citizens to follow." Patil had a word of praise for the people-friendly developmental works undertaken by the army under "Operation Sadbhavana" and said these measures have helped the people of J-K.

She said the Indian Army has immensely contributing in making India a "super power".

"Besides being here as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, I want to tell you that your mother and sister has come to bless you," Patil said.