Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, May 8: Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today urged all the sections of society, including media, to play their part in restoring peace and normalcy in Kashmir.
Mehbooba while interacting with reporters on the sidelines of opening of Move offices in Srinagar today said: “The situation right now is serious in Kashmir. But I don’t believe that it can’t be resolved. All the sections of society, including media, have to play their part in restoring peace and normalcy in the Valley.”
She said that Kashmir is passing through tough time “but it’s for the first time we are facing such a situation”. Everyone is concerned with the situation in Kashmir valley right now. But, this is not the first time that the Valley is facing such a situation. Since 1947, there are many instances when the state was going through very tough times.”
Chief Minister said: “For 22 years, leaders of the State were fighting for self-determination, but then they realized that talks are the only solution to issue. So Indira-Sheikh accord was done (1975). Then there was militancy during 90s. Now, again we have been confronted with a serious situation. But I believe that peace and normalcy will be restored in the Valley soon but everyone has to play their part.”.
Mehbooba reminded that many highs and lows have come in the chequered history of the State but the people through sheer resolve came out of every difficult situation with resilience.
The Chief Minister said even the two decade long turmoil of yesteryears had to be concluded through a series of dialogues and negotiations. “I remember 1996 when it was difficult to even conduct a public meeting. But people have come out of that and would also pass through the present times with resilience,” she said and appealed for collective and vigilant efforts by every section of the society in this regard.
She said it is wrong to say that every youth in the Valley is a stone pelter. “Had it been the case, our students would not have been performed well in examinations”, she said. “Our youth perform very well in each and every competitive examination held at national level. They have the potential to prove their metal in rest of the country,” she added.
Mehbooba said the youth of the State have made us proud in all fields they went and competed. “Be it studies, sports or competitive exams, our youth have performed so well to hold our heads high”, she said and asked them to exhibit their potential in any corner of the country.
“Jammu & Kashmir is a jewel in the crown of India and our youth have the whole canvas of the country available to display their talent in whatever field they take the plunge”, she said and added that education is a movement which leads a society from darkness towards light.
Mehbooba appealed media to play a constructive role in minimizing the divide between sections of the society and act as a guide and a beacon to show the right path to the Government and the people whenever they deflect from their objective. She asked the media, particularly national media, not to harp on negativities but instead focus on the similarities and help in reducing tensions and acrimony among people.
She said though some youth might be disillusioned with the system but the media should not bracket the entire generation but work towards clearing their disillusionment and create an atmosphere of goodwill.
Later the Chief Minister chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers soon after the opening of Civil Secretariat here today. She asked the Ministers to undertake joint visits to areas to resolve the issues of people and mobilize local administration at the grassroots level. She said the challenge lies in how effectively and efficiently governance is rendered to the people in a cost and time effective manner.
Mehbooba asked all the Ministers to work in a team spirit and take the governance delivery as a challenge. She asked the Ministers to work holistically for the welfare of the State and not limit themselves to some particular areas or regions.
The meeting took a comprehensive review of the law and order and development scenario in the State.
Earlier on her arrival at the Civil Secretariat this morning, the Chief Minister was given a ceremonial reception by a contingent of J&K Police.
Members of the Council of Ministers, Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Administrative Secretaries and a large number of employees of the Civil Secretariat accorded a warm welcome to the Chief Minister on her arrival.
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