J

Srinagar, May 13 (UNI) Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the most essential need of Jammu and Kashmir now was the security through development and not arms.

Addressing a public meeting at Hazratbal, he said the positive change in the state's ground situation demanded that the security of the people must now move to the centre-stage with more emphasis on economic development besides security of income, job and that of individuals and communities.

''We have to conscientiously carry along the people in our effort at consolidating the peace and reconciliation process. The basic concept of the state's security has to be linked more with human security and dignity to completely end the atmosphere of antipathy with trust,'' Mr Sayeed added.

The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said greater trust in the people of the state was inevitable for the protection of its interests. The ultimate arbitrators of the state's interests were its people and they must share the political and economic rights and privileges a democratic set up guarantees them, he added.

Mr Sayeed said as the process for ultimate resolution of Jammu and Kashmir's political problems was on, the Centre and the state government must address the immediate and day-to-day development concerns of the people to pull them out of the sense of neglect.

''A motivated plan of action has to be put into place for the infrastructure and economic development of the state. Political and civil society institutions should be the main drivers of this plan,'' he added.

Referring to the development needs of Srinagar city, Mr Sayeed said while upgrading the road communication network should be the priority of the state government, other basic amenities such as drinking water, power supply, drainage and sewerage system were equally important.

He said the construction of flyovers and bridges and widening of important roads in the city should be speeded up to save Srinagar from being choked with massive traffic.

Mr Sayeed stressed the need for accelerating the pace of work on the conservation and beautification of the river Jhelum and its banks, which seems to have come to a halt despite adequate funds available for the purpose.

The PDP patron also called for immediate conservation of Srinagar's water bodies including the Dal, Nigeen and Anchar Lakes with suitable rehabilitation of dwellers living in and around these world famous lakes.

Being the face of Kashmir, he said Srinagar has to be furnished with adequate and quality tourism infrastructure to attract high-spending visitors to the Valley.

With the upgrading of the Srinagar airport as the International Airport, there would be a huge influx of tourists to the Valley in future and for that measures have to be taken out well in advance for the creation of the necessary infrastructure, the PDP patron said.

UNI