At UN Conclave In Delhi, JK CM Urges Youth Role For New World Order
SRINAGAR: Repeating his call for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for Kashmir, chief minister Omar Abdulllah on Saturday said that the state government could not force migrant Pandits to return to the Valley but would do its to utmost create peaceful, secure and amicable conditions for their willing home-coming.
In order to address questions pertaining to human rights, and satisfy different queries on this subject, I have repeatedly been advocating a Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the state, a government press release quoted the chief minister as having said in New Delhi.
I have been pressing for such a commission time and again for the reason of finding answers to so many questions, Abdullah said at a UN function in the capital.
The function, a Young Change-Makers Conclave held by the United Nations Information Centre for India and Bhutan, had around two hundred young leaders, students, entrepreneurs, diplomats, social activists and media representatives besides experts from business, politics, sports, public policy and the arts as participants.
ON RETURN OF PANDITS
Abdullah said that his government was keen on the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the Valley and creating a conducive atmosphere, both economically and in terms of security, to remove the threat perception from their minds and help their return.
Kashmiri Pandits are an integral part of Kashmiriyat, which represents Jammu and Kashmirs pluralistic cultural ethos, he said. Without Kashmiri Pandits, Kashmir is incomplete.
However, we cannot force them to return, but can create a peaceful and amicable situation so that they come back willingly, he said.
ON INDO-PAK TENSIONS
The state has witnessed 22 years of militancy which has not ended fully yet. The LoC is more than fragile, and escalation of tension on it makes peace initiatives vulnerable, he said, emphasizing the need for restraint to help cultivate tranquility for addressing issues.
The chief minister said that the approach and response by the central leadership to deal with the escalation on the LoC issue was mature and praiseworthy.
The graph of violence has shown a gradual decline in recent years, and measures are on to maintain the peaceful situation and strike a fine balance between the availability of security forces and the demand of the situation, he said.
The incidents of violence are less than five percent now as against 2002. But militancy has not totally ended in the Valley, he said.
ON YOUNG LEADERSHIP
Abdullah said that participation of the youth was imperative to make a difference in the socio-economic spectrum of the country.
You have to come forward, participate in the field you choose with commitment and determination and be instrumental in the positive change, he told the young conclave, calling for youth to play their role in strengthening democracy and bringing positivity in it by exercising their right to vote in large numbers.
Your participation in the election process in large numbers is all the more necessary to bring the required change, he said.
Describing the youth as agents of change and as a means of bringing positivity and transparency in the socio-economic and political scenario of the country, Abdullah underlined their role as managers of a new world order with do more as its buzz word.
We are at the threshold of transformation, and our human resource has already cast its impact globally, he said, emphasizing the need of nurturing, grooming and encouraging younger generation to take over as capable, careful and delivering managers in the process of development, social reforms and public good.
He underscored the importance of larger participation of youth in all fields of life to realize this goal.
The Jammu and Kashmir chief minister gave elaborate replies to a number of questions put to him by the young participants pertaining to various socio-political and economic aspects of Jammu and Kashmir. He also shared his personal experience in political and other fields of life with the young leaders.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
