Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today that dividing people on the name of region and religion can be handiwork of the opposition parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but not the National Conference.
Addressing a public meeting at Mendhar town in Poonch district this afternoon, Omar without naming the PDP or the BJP referred to their elections symbols ‘pen and ink pot’ and ‘kamal’ respectively. He also referred to NC with its red flag and plough symbol.
“Dividing people in the name of region or religion can be the handiwork of ‘pen and ink pot’ or ‘kamal’ but not the bearers of ‘red flag with plough’. The NC has always worked to unite the communities and harmonise Jammu and Kashmir,’’ the Chief Minister said.
“You are aware that the preachers and exercisers of ‘divide and rule’ politics have left you alone after getting your votes. Your representative under the command of its party (PDP) leadership choose to remain out of Assembly proceedings and did not voice your demands in the House for petty political gimmickry”, Omar said and advised the people to send such representatives in the Assembly who would stand for their cause and plead their demands vehemently in the floor of House.
“The slogan of Hindu, Muslim Sikh Itihad Zindabad practiced and nurtured by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah has remained the governing principal of NC’s political policy”, he said and vowed his party’s determination to further strengthen this characteristic.
Omar said that more than 70000 vacancies in the Government departments would be filled up on fast track through a mechanism of holding interviews at district level by the recruiting agencies so that job-seekers from rural and far-off areas didn’t have to travel longer distances.
“I have directed for introduction of this mechanism as early as possible so that vacant posts are filled up by the eligible candidates”, he said and added that creation of jobs for youth in Government and private sectors is the focal point in employment policy of his Government.
The Chief Minister said that he would take up the issue of organizing recruitment rallies by various Central Government agencies including Indian Railways for the youth of far-flung areas to expand job market for them.
He said that the execution agencies of various power and road projects have also been given directions to give top priority to the employment of local youth in these projects.
He added that the State Government envisaged launch of various micro and small hydro projects in feasible areas on small rivers, brooks and streams in the remote areas in which locals would be provided jobs.
Advising Gujjar and Bakerwals to live in brotherhood and harmony and reject those who try to create wedge between them for vote bank politics, Omar told them to complement each other’s efforts aimed at welfare and development of weaker sections.
He said some elements want to divide them for vested interests. He asked them to beware of this conspiracy and exhibit their unity in fighting poverty and injustice. He said National Conference symbolized their aspirations and works for their unity to help their equitable, holistic and all round development.
Omar referred to the comprehensive development process kick-started by his Government in the State and said that thousands upon thousands big and small works completed in all sector of development are speaking for themselves on the ground. He said the process would continue and each area would get its due share.
On various demands presented to him at the public meeting by the MLC of the area Javaid Rana in a memorandum, the Chief Minister said that he would depute Minister for Planning and Development to the area so that demands are addressed amicably and purposefully met through the development policy.
The Chief Minister said that Power Development Department has assured him that the storm damaged electricity supply system in Poonch district would be restored by the end of this month.
He said he has given strict orders for booking the persons involved and responsible for heavy damage to the power system in the area and added that the erring officials would be handed over severe punishment under the law.
The meeting was also addressed by Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mir Saifullah, provincial president NC, Jammu, Devender Singh Rana, MLC, Javaid Rana and various other local leaders.
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