Kashmir Working Group on Centre-State relations concludes meet

New Delhi, Sept 3 (UNI) The two-day meeting of the Kashmir Working Group on Centre-State relations, under the chairmanship of Justice Saghir Ahmad, concluded here today.

Issues relating to regional imbalances in development, backward areas within the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and other issues came up for discussion in the meeting.

The meeting was attended by all members representing various political parties.

Besides Union Minister for Water Resources Saifuddin Soz, BJP MP Arun Jaitley, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, MP Choudhary Aslam, Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Tara Chand and Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly A R Rather attended the meet.

The members recommended that unity and integrity of the state be preserved and steps be taken to ensure that all areas of the state receive the benefits of planned development equally.

Special emphasis was also laid on removal of regional imbalances and provision of equal employment opportunities to all.

The issues relating to refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971 were also discussed.

Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah made a presentation on 'Local Self Government in Jammu and Kashmir'.

Special invitee and Kashmir Interlocutor N N Vohra, consultant Jalil Ahmad Khan, and Financial Commissioner (Coordination) Ajit Kumar were also present in the meeting.

UNI