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| Peace initiatives to get boost under new Pak setup: Azad | | Says Refugees would hear good news soon’ | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Mar 31
Reposing confidence in the democratically elected government in Pakistan, that it would carry forward peace and dialogue process with India initiated by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and President Musharraf, the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, said that lasting peace was imperative for the prosperity of both the countries and the sub-continent.
Addressing a mammoth public meeting at Dablehar in Suchetgarh today, he expressed hope that the Pakistan Prime Minister would discuss the CBM s with Prime Minister of India and strengthen the process which got slowed down due to internal situation in Pakistan during the past one year.
Azad said people of Jammu and Kashmir were proud to be part of the greatest democracy of the world, adding "India is emerging as a global power, the pulse of which has already been felt by the comity of nations". He said India was capable of settling all issues amicably as its wisdom and strength lied in a well established democratic set up nurturing in the atmosphere of secularism and social justice.
The CM said "a new era of infrastructural development has dawned in the state and an economic turn-around obtained with the liberal and unprecedented Central financial and logistic support. Peace initiatives and dialogue process aimed at confidence building and economic transformation have yielded remarkable results. Our borders are peaceful since last five years making way for speedy development and economic activities and opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot roads have contributed a lot in creating conducive and palatable atmosphere. This requires nourishment and a boost", he added.
Referring to the creation of large scale public service infrastructure in the state, he said Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented all round development during last five years. "Hundreds of educational institutions, healthcare centres, hospitals, degree colleges, ITIs, roads, bridges, power and PHE installations have been completed to benefit people. Efforts were made to reach out to the people in the remote, far-flung and cut-off areas and open backward pockets for economic welfare and progress", he said and added this would receive considerable fillip in coming years.
He asked the people to maintain and strengthen the atmosphere of love and brotherhood adding that secular temperament, religious tolerance and amity have been the characteristics of people of Jammu and Kashmir since ages. "You work for its strengthening, we will bring Khushali to every area", Azad maintained.
He also referred to the problems of 1947 refugees, saying that he held meetings with Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Defence Minister and discussed in detail the difficulties of the refugees both from PoK and West Pakistan. He announced that the refugees would soon hear 'good news' regarding the necessary succor to be provided to them. He said the problems of refugees of 1965 and 1971 would also be addressed to and redressed gradually.
Amid applause, the CM announced Rs 50,000 compensation and a job from the state government to the border family whose member was permanently disabled by bursting of mines. He also announced Rs 15000 aid to the person suffering partial disability due to mines in the border areas. This would be over and above the compensation of Rs 70,000 and Rs 5,000 provided by the Centre to the sufferers of these categories, respectively.
He said that in a major decision taken recently, the award/annuity for ex-servicemen (awardees) has been enhanced from Rs 2000 to Rs 1.25 lakh, from Rs 1600 to Rs one lakh, from Rs 800 to Rs one lakh, from Rs 700 to Rs one lakh, from Rs 600 to Rs 50,000 and from Rs 500 to Rs 50,000 to Paramvir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Vir Chakra and Shauryia Chakra awardees respectively.
He lauded the border people for the courage and bravery they have exhibited time and again. "Whenever situation arose you were there to protect borders", he said and asked them to strengthen this spirit.
Saying that every citizen was equal stakeholder in peace, he said "we have to give special attention to the difficulties of orphans, widows and violence sufferers".
Azad said that government would give attention to enhance irrigation facilities up to the tail end areas by way of proper maintenance of canals and plugging of seepage.
He also referred to the benefits provided to the peasantry by way of enactment of Roshni scheme saying that ownership rights on over 22 lakh kanals of state land to the farmers have been provided under the scheme.
Minister for Rural Development Mula Ram, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the achievements of Azad-led government. He said "historic initiatives have been taken by the government including creation of new administrative units, launching of Roshni scheme and kick-starting massive infrastructure development process to make Jammu and Kashmir a developed and prosperous state". He said that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi were taking keen interest in the speedier progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
Minister of State for R&B Ch. Gharu Ram expressed his gratitude to Azad for taking path breaking initiatives especially for development of border areas. He said the border belts like other parts of the state were witnessing tremendous development transforming the profile of these areas. He also presented development demands of his constituency.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Minister for R&B Jugal Kishore, Advisor to Chief Minister Janak Raj Gupta and MLA Suman Lata Bhagat. |
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