Sruinagar,June 27 (Scoop News) – Welcoming resumption of Indo-Pak talks, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday said that dialogue is the only platform to address issues and find out amicable solution to the problems. “Gun has never been and will never be the answer to the problems,” he said and hoped that the talks between
The Chief Minister was addressing a largely-attended public gathering at Arizal, in Khansahib, Budgam, after inaugurating a bridge on Sukhnag.
The Chief Minister said his Government would take initiative for resumption of internal talks between Centre and the separatists so that all issues pertaining to J&K could be addressed. “Strengthening of both external and internal channels of talks to achieve permanent peace and tranquility in the Subcontinent is the need of the hour,” he said and called for sustained dialogue in this regard.
Mr. Abdullah said everyone wants to get rid of the gun culture and live in a conducive and peaceful atmosphere, adding
The Chief Minister said J&K Police will gradually take over prime responsibility of maintaining law-and-order in the State, replacing paramilitary forces from this duty. “This has already been discussed with the Union Home Ministry and the Home Minister, during his recent visit to the State, has also given clear indication in this regard,” the Chief Minister said.
Referring to development of far-flung areas, the Chief Minister said his government has flagged this sector as priority one and measures are afoot to bring about a healthy change in the development scenario in rural areas. He said besides scores of rural development programmes for up-gradation of basic amenities launched by the State government, Central assistance is also being sought to give considerable fillip to the development process in remote and far-flung areas.
“Fortunately we have two former Chief Ministers of the State, Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, holding important portfolios of Central ministries. One can revolutionize our health sector and the other can tap our State’s energy sector by providing power projects up to 25 MWs in rural areas,” he said and added both the leaders are fully acquainted with the requirements of people of J&K and are keen to help the State by all possible means.
The Chief Minister said the State government is working with Union Health Ministry on a proposal to double the staff in most difficult rural areas. The doctors and paramedical staff posted there would be provided remunerative incentives including payment of allowances which would almost double their salaries.
Appreciating the role of Hakim Mohammad Yasin, Chairman PDF and MLA of the area, for launching various development schemes, the Chief Minister expressed hope that Mr. Hakim would continue to play important role for large- scale development in the area.
Speaking on the occasion, PDF Chairman extended his party’s fullest support and cooperation to Mr. Abdullah in his endeavour to accelerate development process, adding that people have great faith in energetic and young leadership of Mr. Abdullah.
Mr. Yasin asked people to be aware of those elements who want to disturb the peace by wedging apart the society at one pretext of the other. “They do this only for power politics and have no love for people’s cause. We have to work together and ensure larger development of the State,” he said.
The PDF Chairman also welcomed talks between Indo-Pak leadership and said dialogue channels should be strengthened to work out solution to all the problems and pave way for peace in the State. He also highlighted development demands of the area including installation of two power projects up to 25 MWs at Sukhnag. He said he had already taken up this issue with Dr. Farooq Abdullah for approving these projects. He also gave details of the schemes and projects he has launched in the area as MLA and as Minister.
Mr. Yasin urged for showcasing the natural beauty of Budgam district for national and international tourism, laying stress on development of Tosha Madan. He also demanded special recruitment drive in Khansahib for recruitment of youth saying that the constituency was backward and far off with meagre economic activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial President of NC, Mr. Ali Mohammad Dar, appreciated the Chief Minister for his decision of holding Awami Mulaqats at all districts and requested him to hold such Mulaqats at tehsil levels also. He said this will provide opportunity to large number of people to meet the Chief Minister personally and bring to his notice their grievances for on-the-spot redressal.
Mr. Dar cautioned people about the nefarious designs of peace disturbing elements and said those who, when in power, never thought of taking any action or even speaking a word regarding people’s rights, were now out to befool public by hollow slogans.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated 134 metre-long 5 span steel girder, RCC bridge at Arizal on Sukhnag. The bridge has been constructed by JKPCC at a cost of Rs. 5.23 crore. It will provide connectivity to 15 villages, benefitting nearly 50,000 people.
Later, Chief Minister inspected works being executed under Dood Pathri Development Authority. He emphasized the need for creating adequate tourist infrastructure to attract visitors to this area.
Various deputations, including one from Bakerwal community, also called on Chief Minister on the occasion and presented him memoranda of their demands.
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