‘Development no solution to Kashmir problem’
Excelsior Correspondent
BUDGAM, May 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said mainstream parties were ready to take on the separatists if they decide to contest the assembly elections in the State.
“We are ready to face them (separatists) and then let the people decide who is going to represent them,” Omar told reporters here.
He said the National Conference has been ready for the challenge since 1996 as the then Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said on record that the assembly will be dissolved if Hurriyat leaders decide to contest the elections.
“The then Chief Minister said on record in the State assembly that if the Hurriyat leaders were ready to contest the elections, the assembly will be dissolved to facilitate their participation,” Omar said.
In response to a question, the Chief Minister said it was not for him to worry about the cracks appearing in the ranks of the moderate faction of Hurriyat Conference.
“It is not for me to worry about the internal dynamics of the Hurriyat Conference. It is for Hurriyat to worry about. Division in their ranks is harmful to their own interests,” he added.
Asked about his assessment of the situation in the Valley during this summer, Omar said he did not have a “magic wand” that can help him in predicting as to how the next six months will pass.
“I can only assure the people that we will not take any step – intentionally or unintentionally – that can lead to deterioration in the situation.
“However, it takes two to tango … I would say the people should be allowed to reap the benefits of peace, as they did last year, and be allowed to earn their livelihood during this (tourist) season,” he said.
The Chief Minister earlier inaugurated a power receiving station in this central Kashmir town, which will improve the electricity supply to Budgam district.
Omar said while development was necessary, it was not a solution to the Kashmir problem, which needs to be addressed through political measures.
“We are not of that grain who would invent slogans and cry hoarse on crucial issues, we believe in working on ground and making the importance of issues felt by all,” Omar said adding his mission on this subject is loud and clear.
He said that the gun has never been solution to any problem and will never be so in future.
“It is common public who have to bear the brunt of the gun and suffer on all counts,” he said underscoring the significance and need for resolving issues through dialogue process.
He expressed the hope that the talks between India and Pakistan would yield positive results for permanent peace in the sub-continent especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a public gathering here, Omar said that he has been all along driving home the importance of addressing political issues of Jammu and Kashmir in a political manner to obtain lasting peace and prosperity in the State.
The Chief Minister said that the commitment made by the coalition Government to people on development front would be carried forward with full energy and sincerity. “My Government has done a lot on development and economic front during the last three years and we are determined to achieve the development goals set for the welfare and comprehensive progress of the State”, he said adding that impact of these achievements registered during last three years is visible on the ground.
Referring to the historic legislation of Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) enacted by his Government to empower people to obtain public services in six departments within the fixed time frame and restrict the chances of corruption, Omar said that the Act has created topsy-turvy in the practice of receiving bribes from people by the Government functionaries for delivery of public services. “Now any official found showing laxity or failing in delivering the public services like issuance of driving license, ration card, revenue papers, building permission, electricity or water connection, etc in the fixed time frame for such services shall be liable for a fine up to Rs. 5000. This shall be deducted from the salary of the erring official and a part of it paid to the affected consumer as compensation”, he explained.
He also talked of empowering people through RTI to question the Government departments regarding financial transactions and physical progress. “You are now empowered to ask any question to any Government department regarding its functioning, transactions, work done and other relevant matters”, he added.
On the development of Budgam, Omar said that during the last three years, Rs. 150 crores have been spent on the development of power sector in Budgam district. He said Rs. 10 crores have been sanctioned for upgrading HT/LT power distribution system in Budgam town. He said Rs. 70 crores are being spent for upgrading drinking water supply while Rs. 15 crores are being expended on construction of roads in Budgam constituency.
The Chief Minister said that 50 primary schools have been opened in the constituency during last two years where 60 primary schools have been upgraded to middle standard level. He said 10 middle schools are being upgraded to high schools level. He said 260 RTI teachers have been appointed and 58 school buildings constructed in the constituency during the last two years.
The public meeting was also addressed by Minister for Animal Husbandry, Aga Syed Rouhalla, Advisor to the Chief Minster, Mubarak Gul and Minister of State for Home, Nasir Aslam Wani.
In their speeches they highlighted the achievements registered by the coalition government during the last three years and said that holistic development of all areas is the bench mark of Omar Abdullah led dispensation.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the Power Grid Station at Budgam. The 320 MVA, 220/132 KV and 100 MVA/132/32 KV Grid Station and transmission scheme involves Rs. 125 crores. With the commissioning of this Grid Station improved and reliable power supply will be ensured to western part of Kashmir Valley from Yousmarg to Magam and Central Kashmir by overcoming transformation constraints. This is the fourth Grid Station of its kind in the Valley after Pampore, Zainakote and Mir Bazar which will enhance the available transformation capacity.
By reducing load on existing Grid Stations at Pampore and Zainakote, the Budgam Grid Station will enable the Power Department to improve power quality in the Valley and will directly benefit about 40,000 population in Budgam, Ichgam, Kremshore, Khansahib, Branwar.
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