Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today sought help of civil society to maintain calm during the ensuing summer saying the civil society has important role to ensure congenial atmosphere so that lakhs of people associated with tourism, trade and allied activities are not deprived of their livelihood.
People will not be allowed to suffer in the same way as they were affected adversely during last 3 summers” Chief Minister said while interacting with a group of retired bureaucrats and civil society members at SKICC today.
The meeting which started at 10 am culminated at 4:30 in the afternoon, sources said.
Omar sought suggestions from every member present in the meeting.
Omar, sources said, accepted that there was gap between the government and public which needs to be bridged.
In the backdrop of unrest during last three summers in the Valley, Omar asked civil society members as how situation can be improved on ground.
Some of the participants, sources said, told Omar categorically that there should be a check on human rights violations in future if situation has to improve.
“Any human rights violation can spark into an agitation and it has to be taken care off. Arrest spree should stop,” Omar was told.
They also urged him that political issue should be solved politically and Omar should use his influence to motivate New Delhi to involve separatists in the dialogue process to make it meaningful.
He reiterated the fact that fundamental issue of Jammu and Kashmir is of political nature and requires a political solution. He said that he conveyed the same in presence of Prime Minister when the train was inaugurated in Anantnag and also repeated the same in Assembly. He reminded civil society that Home Minister of the Country himself stood in Parliament and said that Accession of J&K with India is unique and need unique solution also. He said it is surprising that those separatists who don’t feel shy in talking to parliament members who have constitutional limitation are not ready to talk to Interlocutors who have made it clear that they are ready to listen to any body on any issue.
The Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction on renewed progress on Indo-Pak talks after Mumbai episode and said that the Renewal of dialogue process is very significant, even during cricket match two Prime Ministers meeting indicates the improvement in relationship between two countries.
The meeting was attended by the Minister for Rural Development, Parliamentary Affairs and Justice, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Ghulam Hassan Mir, Minister for PHE and Irrigation, Mr. Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Ittoo, Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Mubarak Gul, Minister of State for H&UD and Tourism, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister of State for Agriculture and Horticulture, Mr. Javaid Ahmad Dar, Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr. Devendra Rana, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. B B Vyas, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Dr. Asgar Samoon, IGP Kashmir, Mr. S M Sahai, Director of Information and Public Relations, Khawaja Farooq Renzushah, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mr. M A Kakroo and other senior officers.
Mr. Omar said sixty two years long problem cannot be solved in shortest possible time but he acknowledged that the Prime Minister, Dr MM Singh is keen and serious in his determination in improving relationship with Pakistan. He said that any solution which is acceptable to all shall be the better solution.
While referring to stoppage of passports to the kiths and kins of militants, the Chief Minister said he has issued the directions to CID department that clearance of passports shall not be stopped in case any body’s relative is involved in the militancy. Since there is huge back log of 20-years, priority will be given for Hajj pilgrimage.
The CM appreciated that civil society and volunteers of RTI movement have initiated a new debate of making certain amendments in the State Vigilance Act for making it more effective and vibrant. He said recently RTI volunteers published open letter to him and said he agrees with them whatever amendment are required in the Act shall be considered and Law Minister will be suggested to put up the same so that the fresh ordinance is issued for giving more teeth to Vigilance Commission with such amended provisions.
The CM while responding to various questions regarding power said it is endeavour of government to make state self sufficient in power sector but civil society has to play a role in extending cooperation to the Government to check power theft and pilferage.
The Chief Minister said that his Government is very keen in providing skill development to the youth and create such an atmosphere for them so that sports and cultural talent is explored in proper manner and they are able to find different openings for building up their professional career.
Mr. Omar Abdullah said that with the improvement in situation Government has removed bunkers from city and process will continue and said that he hopes no security force person is seen on the streets or roads but situation should improve fast. He said civil policing concept is being strengthened and police has been advised to establish police-people contact on large scale.
When a member raised the issue of funds diversion from Kashmir to Jammu in the meeting, the Chief Minister clarified that no diversion of funds had taken place in his tenure and his government was committed for equitable development of all the regions of the state.
On apprehensions on J&K’s agreement with Reserve Bank of India for Ways and Means and why is state government bowing before the center by leaving JK Bank in an open competition where there are apprehensions that it may not be in a position to compete,” he said the state government’s Ways and Means Advance arrangement with the RBI was a win-win situation for the State Government, J&K Bank, and people of J&K.
