Focus on peace and development in Kashmir: Kara

New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Tariq Hamid Kara has expressed hope that the ''turbulant and violent phase'' in the state would end soon and the focus would be on peace and development.

The people of the state want respite from violence to usher in an era of peace and reconciliation in the strife torn state, which has witnessed death and destruction for the last 18 years, he said.

''The people of India have a collective responsiblity towards bringing peace and tranqulity in the state,'' Mr Kara said here last night while inaugurating the Kashmir Food Festival at the Press Club of India.

''We want to make Jammu and Kashmir a model state, equipped with modern facilities for the people,'' he added.

The function was attended by the Director General of State Tourism Development Corporation Abdul Aziz Wani, Director of Tourism Farooq Shah, Awami National Conference Leader Muzzafar Shah and Resident Commissioner Bawa besides Mr Rahul Jalali, President of the Club.

Mr Kara pointed out that the state was rapidly moving towards development, reconstruction and reconciliation, which was imperative for achieving progress in all spheres of the state. The state had remained neglected in the past due to violence and turmoil, he said.

He asked the people to keep faith in democratic institutions of the country. Elections in the state are being held in a free and fair maner and are giving people the opportunity to elect their own representatives, he further added.

Mr Farooq Shah highligted various schemes launched by the state government to woo domestic and international tourists. He said tourists were being provided with world class facilities and the state anticipated a huge rush of tourists this summer.

He noted that about seven million pilgrims visited the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi and around four lakh visited the holy cave of Amarnath.

Mr Aziz Wani told UNI that his department had developed many new tourists spots. The government has also ensured security and safety to the tourists, he added.

UNI