NC committed to promote secularism in J

Jammu, Jun 23 (UNI) The National Conference today said it is committed to protect the rights of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and to promote secularism and weaken the communal forces in the state.

''National Conference always stood for equitable development of all the regions of the state. The party is votary of Autonomy for the state and it will also guarantee regional autonomy to all the three regions to address the aspirations of the people of the state,'' Ajay Sadhotra, provincial resident Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Jammu province in a statement issued here said.

''The political parties, which are dividing the people of the state on communal lines are needed to be isolated,'' Mr Sadhotra said asserting, ''All the political parties need to exercise restrain and not indulge in petty politicking for electoral gains at the cost of communal harmony of the state as Jammu and Kashmir is a symbol of secularism and harmony.'' However, the NC leader castigated the present coalition government for ignoring the interest of the unemployed youth, farmers and government employees and said, ''If NC is voted to power, it will come out with such an economic development package, which will generate employment, help in uplifting the condition of farmers and the welfare of the employees of the state.'' UNI VBH AM UCS2001