Wanpoh-Anantnag(Kashmir),October 28(Vijay Kumar) – J&K Chief Minister,Omar Abdullah has reiterated the importance of Centre-State internal dialogue to resolve J&K centric political issues once for all. “There is urgent need to engage Jammu and Kashmir politically”, he said adding that economic packages have their own significance in the development process but political issues require political dealing and dialogue is the only medium for it.
The Chief Minister was addressing the welcome function organized in honour of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi who arrived here alongwith Union Ministers, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Ms. Mamata Benerjee, Union Ministers of State for Railways and in PMOs office, to inaugurate the Anantnag-Qazigund 18 kms. Rail-link.
Omar said that State Government would provide every help in making the situation conducive for resumption of State-Centre talks so that issues are politically addressed and resolved amicably relieving the State from the shadow of gun. “It is very important for us that an effective dialogue process takes place to deal with the political aspect of Jammu and Kashmir”, he said adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir want to get rid of gun culture and live in a peaceful atmosphere.
The Chief Minister appreciated the intension indicated by the Union Home Minister, P. Chidambaram and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh regarding restoration of internal dialogue. “We will render every help in this righteous task”, he said and wished all success for the same.
Omar said that there has been remarkable improvement in the security situation as is evident by the fact that there is no bullet proof glass-sheet between people and the Prime Minister at the dice. “This improvement has to be carried forward till permanent peace and tranquility is restored in the State”, he said.
Omar lauded the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson for rendering highest financial support to the State during the past and currently. “We are highly thankful to both of you for the unprecedented help”, he said adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are especially thankful to the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson for the two Central Universities, Union Government has approved for Jammu and Kashmir. “Whenever we were in any difficulty, we came to you and you extended the helping hand to pull the State out of the problems”, he said.
Highlighting the importance of railway in the economic development of the State, the Chief Minister said that the railway is most important for a State like Jammu and Kashmir. “We are eagerly waiting for the day when the Valley gets linked with Jammu and with the rest of the country through Rail-link” he said asking for connecting Kupwara, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar and other areas of the State with railway. “There is great demand from the people from across the State to be connected with railway so that they also reap its benefits”, he added.
By the inauguration of 18.359 Kms rail-link between Anatnag and Qazigund by the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson, the 119 kms railway from Qazigund to Baramulla became operative. This railway project has been achieved with an expenditure of about Rs. 3250 crore. It possesses 62 major and 739 minor bridges besides 10 road over bridges. The longest bridge is of 435 meters at Veyth near Qazigund with 25 meters high pier. There has been 179.08 lakh cubic meter earth work in the construction of 119 kilometers long railway between Qazigund to Baramulla. It has 15 stations and connects Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Srinagar, Budgam and Baramulla districts.