Azad's Eid offer to ultras: shun violence, join mainstream

Srinagar, Oct 22: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has asked the gun-wielding youths to shun violence and allow the people of the state some relief.

''Time has come when gun wielding youths should shun violence for ever and adopt non-violent methods in a democratic manner. They should work for the development and prosperity of the state and allow the people to take a sigh of relief,'' Mr Azad said here.

Kashmir has since times immemorial established a high status of being an epitome of secularism, he said, adding violence was not akin with the temperament of the people of the Valley.

The Chief Minister said during the past 17 years, a ''horrible atmosphere of violence'' has been created by militants. ''They have killed innocent civilians, Army, police and paramilitary personnel.

They have tried to create a sense of hate in the minds of people against the security forces and rendered the heaven on earth into shambles.'' He said militants have given a bad name to Kashmir by resorting to violence and inhuman methods and tried their best to damage its high traditional fabric.

''The whole world feels ashamed of the brutal acts of militants who slit heads and cut off vital parts of bodies. This is being done deliberately to harm the image of Kashmir,'' Mr Azad added.

He said militants exploit the sentiments of the people on fundamental lines but the majority have rejected their ideology.

The Chief Minister said he has taken a vow to usher the state in an era of everlasting pace and prosperity.

UNI

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