Take advantage of PM's roundtable: Azad to separatists

Srinagar, Oct 16: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has provided the most viable and pragmatic platform of round-table conferences to deliberate upon issues and put forth viewpoints for their resolution.

Apparently referring to separatist groups, including the Hurriyat Conference, he said the best advantage should be taken of this platform in the interest of the state and the people.

Addressing a public gathering at Kunzer after inaugurating a four-lane bridge on the Narbal-Tangmarg road, Mr Azad said the ruling coalition has drawn a policy of peace and infrastructure development to create an atmosphere of tranquility in the state.

He said development was a continuous process and cannot wait till settlement of issues as demands and needs of people grow with time.

Due attention has to be given to carry forward development scenario with faster pace and commitment to seek economic well-being of the people and progress of the state, he added.

During the past 17 years, the Chief Minister said the state has witnessed bloodshed, gloom and economic retrogress.

''We have suffered a lot. Thousands of lives were lost, hundreds rendered disabled, orphans and widows. Violence has given us nothing but innocent killings, harassment, extortion and sorrow. It has marred our education system, created plethora of unemployed youth, crippled our trade and commerce, rendered our artisans and skillful workers jobless, and hit hard the tourism sector,'' he added.

Mr Azad said the enemies of the state were striving hard to create a wedge in the society, divide the people on religion, region and other lines to realise their vested interests. But, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have withstood the onslaught due to their faith in democratic values, secular principles, amity and co-existence.

In a democratic set up, he said every person has a right to have a difference of opinion but violence was no means to put forth views in an atmosphere of dialogue, interaction and conferences.

The Chief Minister said any criticism of the government was welcome, but it should be in a democratic and peaceful manner.

Tourism has received the highest priority in the development policy of his government, he said, adding creation of tourism development authorities (TDAs), construction of basic infrastructure, improving communication facilities and setting up comfort centres were steps in this direction.

Mr Azad said during his meeting with Union Tourism Minister Ambika Soni, he stressed for liberal financing for the sector and early release of funds for newly-created TDAs under the Prime Minister's reconstruction plan.

In his meeting with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the Chief Minister said he sought wholehearted financial support for massive reconstruction of earthquake-ravaged areas.

During his interaction with Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, Mr Azad said he raised the issue of strengthening Radio and Doordarshan services in the state.

He also asked for making Kasheer Channel more Jammu and Kashmir centric and give ample opportunities to the local talent to get involved in programmes.

Mr Azad said the Union Ministers assured him of all help from the Centre. Mr Dasmusi will soon visit the state to look into the matter of strengthening Radio and Doordarshan services, he added.

UNI

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