Peace uncertainty stumbling block in economic progress: Omar

Jammu, February 26 (Scoop News) –  Describing uncertainty of peace major stumbling block and quite unfriendly for promotion of industries and tourism, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Tuesday said that the unresolved political issues between India and Pakistan have further hampered the process of growth and economic development in Jammu and Kashmir.

            “When you are confronted with uncertainty and political instability, the normal process of progress is severely hampered”, he said underlining the need for initiatives aimed at cultivation of permanent peace in the State.

            Replying questions of students of Mass Media from Wilson Collage of Mumbai at an interaction meeting here, the Chief Minister said that the growth and promotion of tourism and creation of required tourist infrastructure alongwith industrialisation largely depends upon the peace and conducive atmosphere prevailing in the area.

             The students who are here on a 7-day study tour put host of questions to the Chief Minister pertaining to various aspects which were answered by Omar Abdullah in detail.

            In reply to a question regarding return of KPs, the Chief Minister said that the lack of sense of security among them forced them to leave the Valley and his government is working to create a situation which would help to re-cultivate this sense of safety in them and they return voluntarily. “We have initiated various measures and are implementing a special package with the assistance of Central Government for the return of KPs to Valley”, he said adding that their return cannot be forced.

            On the issue of human rights, Omar Abdullah mentioned his advocacy for constitution of Truth and Reconciliation Commission on South Africa model to find out answers to so many questions that are associated with militancy and violence related incidents.

            The Chief Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir presents a mosaic of cultural and geographical diversities. “We have three different regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and there are sub-regions within the regions with variegated cultures, dialects and heritage”, he said adding that holistic and equitable development of all these regions and sub-regions in accordance with the particular requirement in particular sectors are being handled by the government through a comprehensive policy programme.

            On power generation, Omar Abdullah said that his government has taken new initiatives to generate hydro electric power and various projects have been already launched through Joint Venture Company while many are under execution in PPP and IPP mode. He said by the end of 7 to 10 years the State is expected to transform from a deficit energy State to power sufficient one.

            Replying a question about the use of plastic, the Chief Minister said that government is determined to reduce the use of plastics in the State and ban on polythene is already in force. He said most of the food items are coming from outside the State in tetra packs or tin foils which create problem in managing the cleanliness of cities and towns. He said that the issue of pollution can be addressed in its right perspective when the government and people work together towards this goal. He said better civic sense is imperative to keep the surroundings clean and arrest pollution.

            The students also asked questions about drug use, urbanization, sadbavana programme of army, handling of situation in the State after the hanging of Afzal Guru, functioning of government, working of media, village defence committee, infrastructure development, tourism, trade, environment, etc which were replied by the Chief Minister elaborately.

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