JK Border people suffered during 1947, 1965,1971 wars

Jammu, December 18 (Scoop News) –Terming Indo-Pak friendship imperative for lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmed has said that bonhomie between the two neighboring nations has positive bearing on the security scenario in the State.

Addressing a well attended public meeting at Kotranka (Budal) on Saturday, the Minister said that inhabitants of border districts especially Rajouri and Poonch have suffered the most due to Indo-Pak hostility particularly during 1947, 1965 and 1971 wars.

He said National Conference supports peace and friendly relations between India and Pakistan, which he said is instrumental in consolidating State centric confidence building measures like trade and communication links for the larger benefit of the people of the State.

Mian Altaf announced Rs. 3 crore under CAMPA for conservation of forests and promotion of flora and fauna in Rajouri district. He asked the officers to ensure transparent utilization of these funds to protect green gold and other forest wealth in the district.

The Minster asked the district administration to accelerate the pace of execution so that projects taken up under flagship schemes of PMGSY, RGGVY and NABARD are expeditiously completed.

Mian Altaf said Omar led coalition government has made record number of appointments through public Services Commission, SSRB and Police Recruitment Board, adding the drive will intensify in the coming years for providing employment avenues to more youth of the State in the government sector. He said Sher-i-Kashmir Employment Programme for Youth has also picked up since its launch, under which, he said handholding support is provided to the unemployed youth in the shape of voluntary service allowance.

Mian Altaf reminded the people about the landmark achievements of the government, mentioning the conduct of Panchayat polls and consequent empowerment of Panchayat Raj institutions. “We gave practical shape what other parties could not even dream about”, he maintained.

The Minister said that the present government does not believe in hollow slogans and politics of deceit, castigating some political forces for hoodwinking people by building castles in the air.

Mian Altaf said with the establishment of State Information Commission together with strengthening State Accountability Commission, the Government is determined to promoting transparency and rooting out corruption through structural measures. He said implementation of Public Services Guarantee Act is also gaining momentum in that direction.

Mian Altaf assured to have a sympathetic look on the demand for opening Niabats at Khawas and Peeri.

District Development Commissioner, Rajouri Mr G.A. Khawja and other senior officers of the district administration were present on the occasion.