Gun is no solution to any problem
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: Describing 2014 as significant for the State as both Parliamentary and Assembly elections are being held this year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has appealed the people to exercise their right to vote in large numbers adding that boycotts in the past have done no good to the people and these will do no good in future also.
In his message on Republic Day eve, the Chief Minister said that peace is of paramount importance to carry forward development and resolve all issues in an atmosphere of amity. “Gun is no answer to any problem and wars have never solved any issue but created many,” he said.
Omar referred to his repeated efforts during the last five years to facilitate internal and external dialogue on political issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated the need of restoring the process of dialogue between India and Pakistan and the particular political groups in State and the Centre so that issues are addressed in a peaceful and political manner.
Making reference of the completion of five years of his Government, the Chief Minister said that remarkable progress has been achieved both on peace and development fronts during this period. “Though a lot has been done yet we have to do more towards achieving permanent peace and moving ahead on road to prosperity”, he added.
Giving glimpses of the five years major achievements registered by his Government in various fields, particularly in the fields of rozgar, bijlee, pani, sadak, sehat aur taleem (employment generation, power, drinking water, road communication, health and education),
Omar Abdullah said that during the last five years about one lakh youth have been provided employment in Government departments. Employment being a global phenomenon needs multi-faceted approach to address, he added.
The Chief Minister said that his Government placed power development sector in the priority list and recognized it as the most important sector to ensure necessary turn around in the State’s economic condition. He said power is the sector which can strengthen the State’s economic health and lift it from the deficit level State to the economically self-reliant level. He said necessary edifice has been laid to generate 9000 MWs of hydro energy in the State in next eight years.
The Chief Minister also mentioned enactment of Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA), Re-constitution of Accountability Commission, constitution of Right to Information Commission, establishment of Vigilance Commission to give impetus to the transparency and bring Government functioning under full public scan.
Omar said that the progress on development front has been possible by the peace and normality which showed gradual improvement during the last five years. Restoration of peace has helped in roping in large number of tourists in the State during the last five years, he added.
The Chief Minister referred to the return of Kashmiri Pandits and said that his Government has taken initiatives to create conducive and secure atmosphere for their return. He said economic packages like employment to the youth of Kashmiri Pandits are also under implementation. 1500 boys and girls of KPs have been given jobs in the Valley and the State Government has submitted a special economic scheme for the rehabilitation of KPs to the Central Government, he informed.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the Rehabilitation Policy and said that 380 youth have returned under this policy. He said his Government would continue to help rehabilitation and return of youth from PoK who have not indulged in any violence and intend to live peaceful and normal life in the society.
The Chief Minister prayed for peace, prosperity and progress of the State and the Country and well-being of the people. He concluded his speech with this couplet – BUS TUM MERI AWAZ SEY AWAZ MILA DO, PHIR DEKH IS SHAHR MAIN KYA HO NAHI SAKTA.
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