Rajouri-Jammu,March 17 (Scoop News) -Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that the rehabilitation policy for the youth who have crossed over to PoK and want to return peacefully is aimed at achieving twin objectives of rehabilitating them and blocking the means for sneaking in illegally. He said it is for the first time in last 21 years that the State Government has convinced the Centre for the need of such a comprehensive policy for youth who want to return and live a peaceful life
Addressing a public gathering in border town Rajouri, Omar said that a resolution for this kind of rehabilitation policy was tabled by M. Y. Tarigami in the Legislative Assembly during the previous regime which was supported by the National Conference. “However the resolution fell in the House due to the opposition by the PDP”, he added.“While the government is thoroughly engaged in carrying forward its agenda of all round development, it is also working to help political engagement for restoration of permanent peace and settlement of issues across the table”, he added and said that development is co-related with peace and tranquility and every stake holder has to put in its efforts in this regard.
He reiterated his government’s endeavour to facilitate talks between separatists and the Centre as also between India and Pakistan to help address all issues for amicable resolution.
Omar pooh-poohed PDP’s claim about
Mughal Road and reminded the people of the fact that the Mughal Road project was launched by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and carried forward by Dr. Farooq Abdullah during his regime while Mr. Azad arranged 50 percent finance for the project. “By the grace of God, I arranged 100 percent funds of Rs.650 crore from the Centre for the project, completed it and traveled as first Chief Minister through this road from Shopian to Buffliaz”, he said adding that attributing achievements and work done by others especially by National Conference to their name has become the characteristic of PDP.
The Chief Minister amid applauses announced that mobile schools for migratory Gujjar, Bakerwal population would be soon restored to enable them receive education without any break. “This system introduced by the Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had proved highly beneficial for these communities and their abundance due to militancy greatly affected the education of the children of these sections. We are actively considering to revive this system and provide opportunity to the children of Gujjar and Bakerwal to receive education and take full benefits of the reservation policy”, he said.
Referring to the importance of road communication for hilly and backward areas, Mr. Omar said that his government is giving priority to this sector. “A number of projects have been launched while many more are in the pipeline to connect remote and far off villages with main highways. Our thrust is also on inter-district and inter-provincial road projects”, he added.
The Chief Minister said that government is focusing on all round development of all areas of the state concentrating on upliftment of hitherto left under-developed and backward pockets. “The next year’s Budget has attached special importance to the welfare of farmers and development of agriculture and allied sectors. We have reduced the tax rates on agricultural inputs to help farmers use modern farm techniques and boost their economy as well that of the state.
The Chief Minister said that National Conference and Congress share the high ideals of secularism and democracy. “We do not believe in divisive politics nor indulge in creating wedge between various section of the society in the name of religion, region or cast”, he said adding that coalition is working in tandem to carry forward its agenda of equitable development of all areas and every section of the society without any consideration.