Srinagar, February 28 (Scoop News) – Pinning hope that the dialogue process between various shades of the opinion and the Interlocutors would be result oriented, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah once again underlined the importance of resolving political issues of Jammu and Kashmir politically.
“From the day one I took office, I am advocating for addressing of political issues in a peaceful and conducive atmosphere through the process of dialogue”, he said and referred his continuous endeavours in this direction.
Addressing a mammoth public gathering at Magam in district Baramulla of Kashmir Valley on Monday, Omar Abdullah said that he has highlighted the importance of resolving political issues of Jammu and Kashmir before the Prime Minister and UPA Chairperson and at other highest forums within and outside the State.
“I told in categorical terms that financial help to the State is indeed a welcome gesture for which we are thankful to the Centre Government but the political issues require political addressing”, he said adding that giving due weightage to this aspect the Centre Government constituted the institution of Interlocutors to deal with issues of political nature.
The Chief Minister said that the Union Home Minister in the Parliament has made it clear that the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to the Indian Union has been unique as such its political addressing should also be unique. “We are hopeful that dialogue process would be get broad banded and result-oriented”, he said.
On the Rehabilitation Policy, the Chief Minister said that his Government has provided a legal mechanism for those who have crossed over to other side of the LoC during militancy and want to return as peaceful persons and live a normal life. “Some 600 applications have been received from these persons so far which are being scrutinized”, he added.
“Our endeavour is to create peaceful atmosphere and safeguard the future of the State”, he said adding that his party would continue to strive for internal autonomy of the State.
On ensuing Panchayat elections, Omar Abdullah said that it would provide opportunities to the people to elect honest, dedicated and young representatives to implement development schemes and bring about socio-economic change in the rural areas as per people’s aspirations. “The elections would also help to give birth to a younger generation of politicians and public representatives to lead the State in future”, he said and called for large scale participation in Panchayat elections.
Omar said that he wants to give transparent Administration to the people as such many steps have been taken in this direction. He referred to the Right to Information (RTI) Act saying that it would provide ample field to the people especially youth to question the government functionaries at various levels about spendings, transactions and decision making and get replies.
In response to the local demands of the area, the Chief Minister said that he has received the status paper about the demands and difficulties of the people in the area adding that these would be addressed appropriately.
The public meeting was addressed by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul, the provincial president, National Conference, Ali Mohammad Dar, Chairman Magam Coordination Committee, Mohammad Ibrahim Bhat, Natinal Conference leader, M. C. Mattoo and others.
The speakers presented resume of the achievements of the Government highlighting the new initiatives taken by the Omar-led dispensation in addressing the political and economic difficulties of the State.
Mubarak Gul said, “It is the result of Omar Abdullah’s unabeated endeavours to highlight political issues of the State, that Union Government constituted a team of Interlocutors to begin dialogue process for addressing policial issues confronting the State”. He said that Omar Abdullah Government was also able to get highest ever plan allocation for the State during last year which was of the order of Rs. 6000 crores.
On reaching Magam, Omar Abdullah was received by the enthusiastic crowd raising slogans in and in favour of his Government. They welcomed him by waving flags and showering flower.