New Delhi, July 24: Reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is a political issue, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday underlined the need for pursuing external dialogue process and initiating internal talks with diverse political opinions in the state.
 Addressing the National Development Council (NDC) meeting here, Omar Abdullah highlighted the importance of time-bound implementation of the recommendations of Prime Minister’s Working Groups.
 Appreciating the progress achieved on the recommendations of the Working Group –I and II for the improvement of the condition of the people affected by militancy and for trans-LoC movement of people and goods, the Chief Minister stressed on banking and communication facilities between Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) and the State.
  “We need to further build on the recommendations of the Working Group-III and the Prime Minister’s Task Force on economic development of J&K. Similarly, there is positive movement on many of the recommendations of Working Group-IV with regard to e-governance and Right to Information. The recommendations made by the Working Group-V with regard to the Centre-State relationship also calls for an informed discussion between the Centre and the State so as to move forward in a time bound manner”, he said.
 Omar also called for amendments to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and re-orientation of the security forces to deal with the changing security situation in the state.
 “Amendments to the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and reorientation of the security forces to the changing security situation in the state will create the necessary enabling environment for restoring, to a certain extent, the pride and self-esteem of our people,” he said.
 Omar called for induction of 30,000 Kashmiri men and women into the state police to enable them to progressively take over law and order responsibilities from the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force.
 “Unemployment was the biggest problem facing the state with 5.9 lakh youth registered at the state’s district employment centres,”
 On recent happenings in the valley, the Chief Minister said that the unfortunate events have caused all of us untold pain and agony. “It is the fundamental duty of the Government to protect human lives”, he said adding “While our hearts go out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones, it must be recognized that such incidents are a disturbing demonstration of continued instigation of innocent people by the forces inimical to peace”.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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