People my strength, their welfare my mission: Omar

Indo-Pak dialogue, expansion of trade, travel across LoC favoured

KOTRANKA (RAJOURI), DEC 10: Favouring restoration of Indo-Pak composite dialogue, Chief Minister, Mr. Omar Abdullah Thursday said that coalition government is committed to facilitate talks between Centre and all shades of people in the state to find out solution to the issues.

Addressing National Conference Workers Conventions at Kotranka and Mendhar in Rajouri and Poonch districts, Mr. Omar said “Our efforts are yielding results positively and the day is not too far when people will see problems getting resolved across the table in an amicable manner”.

“We are in favour of Indo-Pak composite dialogue and want the internal situation in Pakistan settles soon and peace prevails. We also want the relations between two neighbours improve fast, borders remain peaceful and tension free, and trade and travel across the LoC expand further becoming more easy and smooth”, he said adding that his government would actively strive for it.

Asking for a unified approach to steer the state towards the destination of lasting peace and prosperity, Mr. Omar stressed on active public involvement in the gigantic task of socio-economic reconstruction of Jammu and Kashmir in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. “Youth have all the more important role to play in this direction”, he said asking them to be important players in this field.

Mr. Omar said that peace is must for carrying forward development and the stupendous task requiring commitment and determination of both government and the public equally. “While we have sensitized the administration at all levels to be quick to public needs and responsive towards accomplishing the works entrusted to officers and government functionaries, people have to play their important role of monitoring the successful implementation of projects and actively helping the government in its efforts of restoring and maintaining peace”, he maintained.

Advising the people to be above the considerations of creed, caste or community in seeking progress for their area, Mr. Abdullah emphasized for joint efforts for the development and welfare of the society as a whole. “Every member of the society is equally important for us and welfare of all areas, regions and communities without any consideration is our motto and trait”, he asserted.

Stating that government has prioritized road communication sector for focused attention to open up cut off and far-flung areas for all round development, Mr. Omar said that the completion of Mughal Road on fast track and getting additional Rs 350 crore Central assistant by his government has fulfilled the long cherished dream of people of the state. “We hope the road is opened to vehicles next July”, so that the travel of people from Poonch and Rajouri areas to the valley is shorten and becomes smooth.

“My grandfather Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had envisioned connecting Poonch-Rajouri districts with the valley through the historic Mughal Road. He initiated the work on the project from Shopian which was carry forward by Dr. Farooq Abdullah and ultimately God gave me the opportunity to realize this dream of Sheikh Sahib”, he said adding that Sheikh Sahib had also initiated other intra-district and intra-provincial road projects to open vistas of development across the state.

On recently announced Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth (SKEWPY), Chief Minister said that for the first time a comprehensive policy for unemployed has been formulated to address the problem and nurture skill development along with increasing employability of youth. He expressed the hope that the programme will, to a greater extent, provide necessary succor in reducing the unemployment crises in the state. “We are open to further strengthen and modify the programme if required”, he said adding that room for improvement is always there.

Mr. Omar said that he is keen to enhance employability of youth especially in rural and backward areas in the state to ensure their employment in the power and other projects under construction and in the pipeline for these areas. “Unless the launch of projects in rural backward areas benefit the local youth by way of providing them jobs, the development will be lopsided”, he said adding “we have to train the youth accordingly so that the skilled force is not imported from outside the state for the projects but local youth are trained enough to be absorbed”.

The Chief Minister said that his government is committed to fulfill all the promises made to public and measures are already afoot in this regard. “Public is my strength and their welfare my mission. I am endeavoring in this direction with firm determination and keen interest”, he asserted and asked people to continue their support to him and his government. “This adds to our energy and determination for public service”, he said.

Mr. Abdullah asked the people to prepare themselves for large scale participation in the ensuing panchayat elections. “This will give you an opportunity to elect your representative at grassroots and get your development needs fulfilled”, he said

The meetings were also addressed by the Advisors to the Chief Minister, Mr. Mubarak Gul, Mr. Devender Singh Rana Legislators, Mr. Javaid Rana, Mr. Abdul Rashid Qureshi and Provincial President National Conference, Mr. Rattan Lal Gupta, former Minister Mirza Abdul Rashid and local public representatives and political activists including Mr. Liakat Ali Khan and Mr. Bashir Ahmed Wani etc.