Every citizen has stake in peace: Azad

Jammu, Apr 8 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said every citizen has equal stake in peace and development process and added that unified efforts are imperative to cultivate peace for larger interest of the state.

The Chief Minister, while addressing a gathering at Gurah Slathian, said the state has witnessed much bloodshed during 18 years of militancy.

''Thousands of precious lives have been claimed by terror besides rendering thousands destitute and orphan. We can not allow the situation to resurface and put the people at the mercy of terrorists,'' he said.

Mr Azad said the state has to take every safeguarding step and keep the situation under control. We can not give any chance to terrorists to take advantage,he added.

He said Gurah Slathian is the place where great soldiers were born and rendered stupendous service to the nation. Renowned generals, officers and army personnel from this belt have served with distinction in the Army and many of them have also attained martyrdom while defending the country, he added.

The Chief Minister said earnest and sincere efforts are afoot to achieve this goal and referred to roundtable conferences which resulted in constitution of working groups to address all issues.

Mr Azad said these groups, represented by all shades of opinion, deliberated in a conducive atmosphere, have come up with recommendations.

UNI