Qaimoh (Kulgam), July 21: Taking a dig at opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday said that those who vow to struggle for resolution of Kashmir issue selectively eliminated people during their regime who were ready for talks.
“It is an irony that the people who keep on talking of fighting for the final resolution of Kashmir issue and that used to shout slogans ‘Goli Sey Nahin, Boley Sey’ (solution will emerge not through the barrel of gun but dialogue) are the same who during their three year rule selectively eliminated the people who were ready to come forward for dialogue,” Omar said at a public meeting in Qaimoh area of this South Kashmir district.
Assuring removal of bunkers from all major and small towns, Chief Minister said; “We have already removed majority of bunkers in the Srinagar city and will be removing others too. Furthermore, the process of removal of bunkers from other major and small towns is on cards”.
On the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and de-militarization, Omar said, “Deliberations on amendments in AFSPA would be held during the month of September.”
Omar said his party does not believe in words but in action and that he has proved on the floor of the assembly and parliament.
“It was only me who categorically told the Parliament that Kashmir issue cannot be put into a back-burner by announcing economic packages but a result-oriented dialogue should be held to solve it. The same thing I repeated on the floor of the Assembly that too being a CM of the state. I conveyed the same message to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi during their visit to the valley,” he said.
Omar said PDP only made noises about the rehabilitation of the Kashmiri youth who crossed over for arms training but our party made it practically possible.
“It was during my visit to Pakistan during Pugwash conference when I met some of the youth who were willing to return and live peaceful life. So, I made up my mind that I will ensure their return once our party comes to power and the result is in front of everyone,” Omar said.
Responding to the allegations of PDP that no development took place in the state during the last two and half years, Omar said; “the State was ushering towards progress during the present coalition regime.”
He said PDP only upgraded schools but failed to provide necessary infrastructure and adequate staff, but the present coalition government focused on providing infrastructure facilities besides appointing 2500 teachers against the vacant posts.
Regarding the power scenario in the Valley, Omar said; “Though, he accepts that the state is facing power deficit and for that projects have already been sanctioned in the cabinet which will benefit the people in future, but I ask former CM Mufti Muhammad Sayeed that how many power projects he got sanctioned during his rule and what happened to the much hyped Baghliar –II project”.
Assuring of empowerment of Panchayats, Omar said establishment of Panchayat Raj and urban local bodies would help to reduce malpractices and enhance the monitoring on execution of development works and financial expenditures.
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Muhammad Sagar, Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Itoo and MLC Bashir Ahmad Veeray also addressed the meeting.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 22 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST