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| ‘….we will go arms-in-arms’ | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, March 4: The ruling Congress-National Conference coalition in Jammu and Kashmir will contest the coming Lok Sabha elections in the state together, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said.
The ruling alliance will fight the elections for six parliamentary seats in the state together, Abdullah told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to the Tulip garden on the banks of the famous Dal lake.However, the issue of seat sharing would be discussed with the leaders of the junior partner in the combine, he said.
Referring to the reported statement of Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone about his intention to contest the upcoming general elections, the Chief Minister said it was good that separatist leaders were thinking of joining electoral politics.
Media reports quoting sources close to Lone said that he was thinking of contesting the ensuing parliamentary polls.Abdullah said by contesting elections the separatists could put their point of view before the people in a better way.The Chief Minister condemned the terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers in Lahore yesterday describing it as an "unfortunate" incident.
Asked about Pakistan holding India responsible for the attack, Abdullah said the neighbouring country had not directly raised an accusing finger at India but blamed some foreign powers.Pakistan has itself become a victim of terror now, he said, adding that there is urgent need for that country to realise it.However, the Chief Minister called for a united fight by the world community against terror.
Abdullah hoped that Pakistan stabilises soon as a "stable" Pakistan was in the interest of the entire region.
Regarding Bomai-sopore incident in which two youths were killed allegedly in army firing on February 21, Abdullah said he was waiting for the report of the magisterial inquiry ordered by the government into the incident.
"Anybody found guilty will be punished", he asserted and said zero tolerance approach towards human rights violations was not a mere slogan.
Meanwhile, Bomai-Sopore observed a complete shutdown for the 12th day today with the locals insisting that they will resume normal activities only after the guilty are punished.
Replying to a question, Abdullah said economic recession has somewhat affected the tourism sector in the state but expressed hope that tourist arrivals will pick up in the coming months.He asked Bollywood movie makers to come to Kashmir for shooting their films saying it would generate economic activity in the state.
The Chief Minister visited the famous Tulip Garden situated on the foot of the Mount Zaberwan and inspected the ongoing improvement works to further beautify the tourist spot.
The officials told him that the garden spread over an area of 15 acres of land has 12 lakh tulip bulbs of 60 varieties. One green house has also been erected for cultivation of tulips for commercial purposes which would generate employment opportunities in the private sector.
The Chief Minister was also informed by the officials that the first Ancilla Tulip flower of orange colour bloomed on February six and the garden will be thrown open between March 20 to 25 when it will be in full bloom.
The Director floriculture G A Naqash said that a cold store for tulips is also proposed to be constructed in the garden costing Rs four crore.
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