Azad urges elderly to counsel youth

Srinagar, Sep 26 (UNI) Urging the elderly to counsel the youth to shun the path of violence and lead a peaceful life, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said peace only could help lure international business houses to willingly invest in the state.

'' The elderly should take the lead and counsel the youth, who have been led astray and misguided, to shun violence, be peaceful and help create a conducive atmosphere, free of threats, violence and bloodshed so that international investors can willingly invest in the state and a concrete edifice for a Khushal(prosperous) Jammu and Kashmir is laid,'' Mr Azad said on his return from a tour to Brussels, US, London and other countries.

Mr Azad said if the entire population of the state starts advising the misguided youth and makes them return to the mainstream, the result would be positive and the day would not be far when the state would once again be prosperous.

''This is desired by the world and also the international community as they want to see the state prosperous, developed and peaceful,'' he maintained.

The Chief Minister said there was tremendous enthusiasm among the people of US, Europe and other countries of the world to visit Kashmir and enjoy its natural beauty.

He said during his tour he met with parliament members of 25 European countries, participated in eight meetings, addressed conferences, met a cross-section of people, interacted with mediapersons, investors, traders, industrialists, the intelligentsia and opinion leaders and found that people there are eager to visit the state as tourists as well as invest and establish industries here.

However, he added, they fear that the atmosphere is not conducive in the state for such economic activities.

Mr Azad said during the month of Ramdan all of us should pray for peace and a conducive atmosphere and should that happen, the world will open its door for Jammu and Kashmir.

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