‘We’re identifying districts wherefrom AFSPA will be removed’
Rising Kashmir News
Jammu, Sept 6: In a significant development that could lead to return of peace in the Valley, the chief minister Omar Abdullah Monday said Government of India (GoI) is examining Syed Ali Geelani’s 5-conditions for talks and hoped that the response would lead to improvement in the situation.
He also said government is identifying districts wherefrom Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) will be removed.
"We are trying that all issues be resolved through dialogue. GoI has also brought this on record-both in the Parliament and outside that dialogue should be initiated in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir requires a unique solution as the accession of Jammu and Kashmir with rest of the country was in extremely unique circumstances,” Omar said while talking to reporters after a public meeting at Bhalwal village near Jammu.
He said India was in different and unique circumstances then that of other states of India. “Geelani has put forth some issues. Give the Centre a chance as they are examining these issues and they will respond accordingly. I am hoping that the response should be of the kind which can improve the situation," he said.
“He is a factor,” Omar said, of Geelani.
Asked about his recent statement on revocation of AFSPA, Omar said, "I have not said any such thing. I have said we are thinking on it and we are discussing the issue with Centre. We have got two options with us. First is that the harsh side of AFSPA be subdued. Second option with us is that where there is hardly any impact of militancy and where the role of Army is not required from those areas AFSPA can be removed in a phased manner. For which we are working for identifying some districts of Jammu and Kashmir."
Earlier, while addressing public gatherings at Balwal (Jammu) and Budhal (Rajouri) after inaugurating transmission lines and power stations, the Chief Minister highlighted the need of better relations between India and Pakistan.
“In order to remove the political tension once for all, it is necessary to settle issues through sustained dialogue channels”, he said and assured that the interests of the State as a whole would be of paramount importance in this process.
“Unfortunately the ties between the two neighbours have not remained palatable for most of the period for various reasons”, he said and emphasized on bringing about necessary thaw in Indo-Pak relations for the larger public interests and lasting peace.
He said “Pakistan has been, is and will remain our neighbour and India has always played positive role in improving the relations between the two countries. We want Pakistan to be prosperous and peaceful. We hope that Pak will also move forward positively in the peace process, fulfilling its promises and creating an atmosphere of trust to settle issues amicably. We wish to transform the bitterness in Indo-Pak relations into sweetness. “Hum duo hamsaiun ke tanaaw ko mithas main badalana chathe hain”.
He lauded the people of Jammu division for showing highest degree of responsibility during recent law and order situation in the Valley and not falling prey to the propagandist and vested elements. “You have foiled all attempts made to destabilize the communal harmony and brotherhood by exhibiting your political maturity and astute”, he told them calling for standing united against the perpetrators of hatred.
The Chief Minister said that equitable development and justice to all sections of the society is the benchmark of his government and from the day first he has tried to give good governance and attend to the day to day problems pertaining to the development of the State. “During my electioneering I asked the mandate for addressing development issues and striking on unemployment problem”, he said adding that in the last 18 months landmark achievements have been registered in the five important sectors of Roads and Bridges, Health, Education, Water and Power supply.
“We want you to judge us for the performance on development front”, he said and assured that the coalition government would fulfill its all promises made to the people during election campaign. “In fact certain elements got frustrated by the NC-Congress coalition in the State and from the day first tried to disturb the law and order and tranquility so that the attention of the government gets diverted from the development scenario”, he said and warned the people of evil designs of such elements.
The Chief Minister said that his government wants to revive Panchayats and Local Body Institutions as early as possible to transfer power to these democratic units. “This would at one hand help to address specific development needs in the specific areas and on the other help to curb misappropriation and leakage of funds”, he said and asked the people for larger participation in the elections to the Bodies.
Omar said that his government has taken many employee friendly steps since its inception including implementation of 6th Pay Commission recommendations. “The government recently ordered reduction in the qualifying age for pension”, he said and impressed upon the government employees to render their service to the public with devotion and responsibility.
Referring to the inauguration of two transmission lines and power stations, Omar said that power sector is receiving focused attention of the government as it is significantly essential for the all-round development of the State.
Omar said the government has to bear Rs. 1500 crore worth losses on the supply of electricity to the people annually. “Reason being, partial or non-remittance of electricity fee by the consumers. Had this amount be available to the government, we need not to depend on central assistance for vast number of projects in Health, Education, Power, R&B and PHE”, he asserted and said that the availability of this amount would enable the government to address unemployment problem in a big way. The Chief Minister expressed hope that awareness about payment of electricity dues will fast inculcate in consumers which in turn, is in their own benefit.
