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| Glory of J&K lies in its pluralistic ethos :Azad | | ‘Pilgrim tourism promises new economic goals’ | |
JAMMU, April 02
Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Monday that glory of Jammu and Kashmir lies in its pluralistic cultural ethos and co-existence of different faiths in secular and friendly atmosphere. “This has given unique distinction to the state at national and global levels promising greatest room for wide ranging pilgrim tourism”.
He was addressing a largely attended public rally organized at Katra to felicitate Chief Minister for according district status to Reasi. Thousands of people from all over newly created Reasi district converged at Katra in the thanks giving rally, shouted pro-Azad slogans, cheered and waved him warmly besides presenting traditional welcome by beating of dhols, singing songs and dancing.
The whole town of Katra was giving festive look with banners, gates, garlands, arches and posters lauding Mr. Azad.
Chief Minister said that the state’s great secular temperament and hospitality has added to the natural beauty almighty has bestowed upon this part of earth. “Secular characteristics and democratic fiber of our country has given it strength and respect. It is globally recognized as world’s largest republic where every person of every faith, creed, colour and religion have equal opportunity to nurture and develop in a conducive atmosphere”, he added.
Mr. Azad amidst slogans and thundering applause congratulated people for getting new administrative unit and said that he has fulfilled the promise made to set in place administrative heads and make the districts functional by April.
Chief Minister said by sanctioning 8 new districts and other administrative units across the state long cherished demand of people has been realized. He said this would help to take administration to every area and help speedy and equitable development.
Advising the newly posted district administration to accomplish their responsibility with utmost dedication and zest to help people irrespective of any consideration of religion, caste and colour, Chief Minister said the government functionaries should ensure that benefits of development schemes accrue to people speedily and properly. He said every penny spent has to be accounted for and should match with physical achievement on the ground.
Chief Minister said that 18 years of militancy had derailed process of development and disturbed the development system. “We have set in motion development and peace process and far-reaching decisions for the benefit of the state have been taken to give considerable acceleration”. He said administration has to properly monitor every scheme and be responsive to public call wherever recalled.
Chief Minister said that a massive development programme in every field and a large scale public services infrastructure development plan has been launched in the state which is certain to carry forward the state towards goal of prosperity. He asked the people to strengthen Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist unity and cultivate peace, brotherhood and amity everywhere.
Earlier, addressing a high level review meeting of development works at Katra, Chief Minister said that this place has attained significant importance for ever-increasing pilgrim rush. He said yearly pilgrim attendance at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has touched nearly 70 lakh figure by now which is likely to go upto one crore in near future. “We have to ensure every facility for the pilgrims as well as locals at the gateway of Katra”, he added. He said shortly the town would get rail connectivity and all this calls for that required infrastructure is put in place at the earliest.
Minister for Health and Medical Education Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Rural Development Mr. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Anil Goswami, Chief Executive Officer Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Dr. Arun Kumar, Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mrs. Naseem Lanker, Secretary Tourism Mr. Naeem Akhtar, President Municipal Committee Katra Mr. Mulakh Raj Purohit, heads of departments, chief engineers of various engineering disciplines, senior authorities of GREF and railways, senior civil and police officers attended the meeting.
A detailed presentation was made on the occasion about the broad features of proposed master plan formulated for Katra town. These would take care of present and futuristic infrastructure requirements and civic amenities.
Mr. Azad also took stock of progress on widening and upgradation of Domail-Katra road and several other development projects coming up in the area.
An integrated project under UIDSMT is being prepared for development of Katra town, the meeting was informed.
On reaching Katra, Chief Minister was given civic reception by the prominent citizens of all walks of life at a reception function where speakers lauded Mr. Azad’s visionary leadership and his people-friendly gesture. He was presented Pagri of pride and garlands for his fulfilling promises made to the people. They said they feel highly elated while receiving Mr. Azad who feeling the heart beats of people realized their demand of according district status to Reasi for which they had strived hard for 50 years.
Speaking at the rally, Minister for Health and Medical Education Mr. Mangat Ram Sharma lauded Mr. Azad’s bold and revolutionary steps taken by him during about 17 months in the interest of state. He said these revolutionary measures are certain to catapult state’s development and economy.
Mr. Sharma congratulated people for getting district status and appreciated their secular temperament. He said composite culture of state is its novelty and strength.
Referring to recent killing of civilians at Kalakote in Rajouri district and slaining of Congress activist at Baramulla, Mr. Sharma said this clearly indicates that situation is no way conducive to think of forces reduction not to talk of demilitarization.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Mr. Jugal Kishore Sharma extending thanks on his and on behalf of people of Reasi to Chief Minister said “it is happiest moment for the people of Reasi who have assembled in the thanks giving rally from all over”.
He said among scores of high profile and revolutionary decisions taken by Mr. Azad for welfare of people, creation of new administrative units and Roshni Act would go down the annals as significant among the significants.
Deputy Commissioner Reasi Mr. Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Mr. O. P. Kalanderia, SSP Udhampur Mr. P. R. Manhas, SSP Reasi Mr. J. L. Sharma, prominent Congress leaders Mr. Bhupinder Singh Pathania, Mr. Brij Mohan Sharma, Mr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Mr. Narinder Sharma and Mr. Krishan Singh besides prominent political and social leaders and a large number of people were present on the occasion.
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