SRINAGAR: In his address to the people from Doordarshan and Radio Kashmir on the Independence Day, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah while extending his warm greetings, has shown concern over the trend of getting carried away by rumours and reacting violently without ascertaining facts. This trend in the society is of serious concern, he said and underlined its consequences as dangerous and detrimental to the progress and welfare of the State. He said heeding to rumours and resorting to violence results in the loss of precious human lives and property besides peace disturbance.
Condemning the loss of human lives and damages caused to property in Kishtwar and other parts of Jammu Division during the clashes between two groups, Omar Abdullah reminded the people of the pluralistic ethos of the State and said that Jammu and Kashmir has been abode of different religions, faiths, cultures, languages and ethnic groups. He said that people have together nurtured communal harmony and brotherhood since ages. He said some elements that thrive on dividing the society in the name of religion, region and caste, for vested interests, attempt to create tension between different sections of the society, disturb peace and tranquillity and create mistress in the minds of people for personal benefits. They do this just to polarize the society for their self ends, he added.
Omar also referred to the sectarian clashes in parts of Budgam and the Gool incident and said that rumours and reactions without ascertaining the truth were the reason for escalation of tension both the two cases. He also condemned the loss of human lives and property in these incidents. He said that Government would take all measures to ensure justice to the people.
In his fervent appeal to the public, the Chief Minister asked them to rise to the occasion and exhibit their highest faith in States pluralistic characteristic. He said working together and strengthening the bonds of amity between various sections of the society is the right reply to those who want to wedge the society in the name of religion and other counts. You have to rise to the occasion and defeat the designs of these elements by showing your unity and sidelining the elements responsible for creating tension between various sections of the society, he said and maintained that people of different faiths have lived in the State peacefully and will live together in future in a atmosphere of harmony and brotherhood. This should be our resolve and message to all on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day, he emphasized.
The Chief Minister also drew the attention of people towards a most important issue of female foeticide and said that this evil has silently crept in the society and should be of the utmost concern for one and all. Nothing can be more heinous and inhuman than killing female baby in the womb of the mother, he said and described it unbelievable in a learned, educated and religious society.
Omar referred to the Hadhis (Saying) of Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) that any person who nurtures a girl child will get Jannat (Haven) in reward and cautioned the people against the sin of female foeticide. He appealed the civil society, religious leaders, social workers and others to play their important role in making people aware of the dangerous consequences of this inhuman act so that the trend reported in this regard is reversed.
The Chief Minister also referred to another social evil of drug addiction among the youth and said that this menace is engulfing them under its clutches. It has been observed that the tentacles of drug addiction is bringing youth under its grip and is deeply penetrating in the vitals of the society, he said and added that if this menace is not restricted; the State would be deprived of its talented youth. He also sought the involvement of civil society in this regard and said that the Government and people have to work together to curb all social evils.
While expressing concern over the escalation of tension and violation of ceasefire on LOC and borders, the Chief Minister batted for restoration of peace on borders and asked Pakistan to create conducive atmosphere for talks so that dialogue process is started to address all issues.
Omar reiterated his stand on Jammu and Kashmirs political issues and emphasized once again for political addressing of political issues across the table amicably. He said power or gun has never been and will never be instrumental to resolve problems. It is the talking process which can melt the ice and help find solution to all matters, he said and wanted Pakistan to create atmosphere for talks.
The Chief Minister also called for sustained internal dialogue between separatists and the Centre and said that his Government will work as an active facilitator in this regard. He said those who have so far shunned the practice of putting their viewpoint across the table should come for dialogue. He said democracy in India is so strong that their viewpoint would be heard in detail and earnestly. You can explain your viewpoint across the table openly and candidly, he told them and said that his Government would facilitate all such moves.
On financial autonomy, Omar said that his cherished desire is to make Jammu and Kashmir financially self-sufficient so that all development projects of important public concern could be funded indigenously and economy and employment generation catapulted. He said his Government has already laid edifice to achieve this stupendous goal by harnessing States power resources. He said within next some years we are going to produce 9000 MWs of power in the State to end power crisis and give strength to our economy. He said his Government harnessing resources in agriculture, tourism, horticulture, handicrafts, industries and other sectors to make the State self reliant in finances so that it has not to rely on central funding for every project.
The Chief Minister said that his Government has taken various initiatives to empower youth and women and referred the schemes of SKEWPY, UMEED, UDAN and HIMAYAT. He said these schemes are unique in the Country.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to continue their support to him so that his aim to build a prosperous and plenty Jammu and Kashmir is realized.
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