Peace key to development, public holds key: Azad

Jammu, Apr 12 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said peace is the key to prosperity and development therefore public support in this regard is imperative.

Addressing public meetings at Ramban and Kishtwar after inaugurating District Development Commissionerates, Chief Minister beseeched the people to play their all-important role in restoring tranquillity and peace in the state.

''A new era of development has already dawned in the state and initiatives taken to restore peace are gaining momentum. Each one of us can contribute in pulling the state out of economic distress created by militancy,'' he said.

Mr Azad said tourism bore the maximum brunt and received a severe jolt during 17 years of militancy putting the sector into shambles.

''In the past, thousands of tourists would throng Jammu and Kashmir giving a fillip to economy besides creating employment opportunities. The militancy has given nothing but bloodshed and economic distress,'' he said.

UNI