Militants polluting holy word of Jehad Azad

Jammu, Mar 12 (UNI) Terming the terrorists as violence mongers, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today came down heavily on them saying they have polluted the word 'Jehad' by killing innocents, looting property and disrespecting women.

''If by 'Jehad' they mean extortion, plunder destruction, blazing of educational institutions, hospitals and bridges, they are definitely mistaken and committing crime against teachings of Islam and Allah,'' he lamented while addressing a public meeting at Chirala and Hallaran in Thathri area of Doda district.

Mr Azad said, ''To me, Jehad stands for endeavouring to wipe out tears from the eyes of poor, uproot the menace of corruption, give justice to every citizen, seek prosperity for all and save mankind from miseries, fear, distress, diseases and exploitation. Lot of blood has bled, many woeful tales scripted, precious human lives fallen prey to bullets, families rendered homeless, children made orphans and women widows. Valuable public property destroyed and economy put to shambles'' adding that time is ripe enough to seek forgiveness from the Allah for sins and crimes committed against humanity.

He exhorted the people to come forward, irrespective of their political, regional or religious affiliations and contribute their might to end violence once and for all. ''I have vowed to give you a state devoid of corruption, malpractices, high-handedness and injustice and for this, give me a warm hand to accomplish the stupendous task,'' he appealed.

The Chief Minister said the Central government had granted enough funds to the state. ''My desire is that every penny spent accrues benefits to the people without any leakage and pilferage and in this task, people's cooperation and vigilance is imperative,'' he added.

Referring to the backwardness of far-off and hilly villages of the state, Mr Azad reiterated his determination to bring rural areas at par with towns and cities so far as basic amenities were concerned adding that new developmental plans would have thrust on this.

He said directions were already given to the concerned authorities to formulate an industrial policy in such a way that would help the investors to set up their ventures in villages to create job opportunities.

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