Relocation of security forces begins in JK: Azad

Srinagar, July 13: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said although relocation of security forces from government buildings and orchards had already started, there was a need to give it a further push so that they arrange alternate accommodation for themselves on war footing.

The infrastructure facilities presently under the occupation of the security forces could then be used for the purpose they had been constructed, Mr Azad said at a one-day party convention in central Kashmir.

Referring to his meeting with the defence secretary, Mr Shekhar Dutt here last week, Mr Azad said he had made it clear that the outstanding payment of rent to the owners of orchards occupied by security forces be paid in one go and where these could not be vacated soon, the rent should be paid regularly on monthly basis.

He said ever since he assumed the responsibilities of Chief Minister he had been stressing on the need to arrange alternate accommodation for security forces lodged in private and government settlement.

Mr Azad said his government had, for the first time, adopted a multi-pronged strategy to address issues on political, economic and social fronts simultaneously.

He said on the political front, the Central government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh started dialogue process with Pakistan and initiated talks with national, regional and sub-regional political parties of the State to assess the problems and viewpoints of the people at every level in an effort to address their problems.

On the economic front, the Chief Minister said a number of mega development projects had been taken up across the State for economic reconstruction of Jammu&Kashmir.

He said hospitals, schools, roads, drainage and sewerage and drinking water projects were being upgraded and new ones started.

Mr Azad said Rs 4500 crore would be spent on development of Srinagar City and up-grading civic amenities.

He said schemes worth Rs 900 crore had been sanctioned for the development of small and major cities and towns including Budgam.

Chief Minister said task forces had been set up to monitor implementation of infrastructure related works at the level of senior most officers in the administration.

UNI