Peace environment must for development : Azad

Jammu, May 14 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today said the state was presently passing through a developmental phase, which requires establishment of peace to reap the harvest of various schemes.

Addressing a public rally at Gool in Ramban district, Mr Azad said, ''We have to channelise the potential of our young generation in bringing about prosperity to the state.'' Referring to the achievements registered in the state during the last four years, the Chief Minister said linking far-off and rural villages with main roads and highways was receiving a focused attention.

He appealed to the people to take full advantage of Roshni scheme, expand agricultural activities and utilise their enormous potential in horticulture, animal and poultry rearing.

The Chief Minister said the railway line connecting Jammu with srinagar passing through Gool promises greater avenues of development to the area.

''You will be able to transport fruit, vegetables, agriculutre produce, etc and fetch remunerative returns,'' Mr Azad said.

Lauding central leadership, he said the liberal funding and keen interest of central leaders, especially Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, to develop Jammu and Kashmir has opened new vistas of development in the state.

Emphasising the need for strengthening peace and dialogue process and indo-pak relations, the Chief Minister fervently appealed one and all to contribute and help restore peace for all round development.

Referring to the importance of scientific and technical education in today's world, Mr Azad advised the youth to devote their entire attention to receiving technical and scientific education.

In this connection, he asked the technical education department to explore the possibilities of bringing more local and far-off areas under the ambit of ITIs so that the youth could be trained in various job-oriented trades.

UNI