Mufti concerned over slow pace of devp in JK

Srinagar, Apr 17: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today expressed serious concern over the sluggishness in the momentum of the development process initiated by his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state in 2002.

Addressing party workers from Noorabad, Shopian and Devsar constituencies here this morning, the PDP patron said the feedback he had been getting indicated some sluggishness in the momentum of the development process initiated by the PDP in 2002.

Such an unfortunate trend could adversely affect the gains of the reconciliation process, he added.

Mr Sayeed said development issues such 'sadak (roads)', 'paani (water)' and 'bijli (electricity)' are of utmost importance to the people and no political party could afford to ignore these.

If there was any lacunae in the delivery system, he said that has to be taken care of without any delay, he added.

The former Union Home Minister said his party's primary agenda was to facilitate amicable and just settlement of the Kashmir issue for the larger benefit of the people.

''The party is, at the same time, very much conscious of the state's immediate development requirements,'' he added.

Mr Sayeed said the very existence of PDP was based on a specific pro-people agenda and it would never compromise on the issues concerning the political and economic welfare of the masses.

Asking his party ministers, leaders and workers to reach out to the masses immediately to look into their problems and seek redressel of the same at appropriate forums, Mr Sayeed said as the public representatives, the primary task of the legislators must be to mitigate the sufferings of the people. Nobody should take the people for granted as in a democratic set-up they have the power to make or break things, he added.

The PDP leader said the people must also come forward and highlight their genuine concerns and issues without any fear.

He said one of the major challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir today was to tackle the problems of economic deprivation and societal troubles that have become key areas of concern.

Mr Sayeed said a collective effort was needed to confront the critical problems and he and his party would be on the forefront of the war against the social evils as done by the PDP on major issues concerning the welfare of the state and its people.

Striving for a dignified, peaceful and prosperous future for the people, especially the youth, the PDP patron said the PDP would not confine its struggle to only providing a clean political set-up and a progressive economic structure to Jammu and Kashmir, but also address the social concerns and gift a real welfare state to the coming generations.

''While the primary concern of the society is the honorable rehabilitation of the victims of violence, equally important are the issues like the menace of corruption, crime and drugs,'' he added.

Mr Sayeed said his party would do whatever it can to take on these challenges.

He called upon PDP leaders and workers to prepare for playing a crucial role in shaping up a new and prosperous future for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, to realise their long-cherished dream of dignified peace and prosperity of the state.

UNI

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