Azad invites separatists to third 3rd round-table conference

Srinagar, Aug 15 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today appealed to the separatists to participate in the third rond-table conference and asked the militants to abjure violence so that bloodshed was replaced by peace in the state.

He also called for peaceful settlement of all issues through dialogue and interaction.

Addressing a well-attended Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium here, the Chief Minister said the time has come that everybody without any political and personal consideration rise to the occasion to seek atmosphere of peace, development and progress of the state.

Asking the gun-wielding youth to shun the path of violence, Mr Azad said history was witness to the fact that nothing could be achieved by bloodshed and violence. ''Sitting across the table is the only means to amicably resolve all the problems,'' he added.

Congratulating the people on the 60th Independence Day, the Chief Minister said freedom was attained after sacrifices by thousands of people under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and stalwarts such as Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jowhar, Sardar Patel and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. At present, India has attained a place of respect and repute in the comity of nations, he added.

Mr Azad said when he took over as the Chief Minister, the state had been badly affected by October 8, 2005 earthquake. About a 1000 human lives had been lost, hundreds wounded and rendered homeless in Uri, Tangdhar, Teetwal, Poonch and other areas.

By the state government's liberal and timely action, he said the situation was successfully combated and every affected family provided with temporary shelters before the onset of winter.

The Chief Minister said new work culture was introduced to clean up the administration from the menace of corruption. A legislation providing for confiscation of property of corrupt officials was also enacted, he added.

''Only two days ago, 10 officials have been retired prematurely from the government service for corruption and inefficiency,'' he said and sought cooperation of all in his drive against corruption.

The war against corruption would continue till the scourge was removed from the face of the state, he added.

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