SRINAGAR: American Diplomats, Gautam A. Rana Deputy Counselor for Political Affairs along with Political Advisor to US Embassy Dinesh Dubey wednesday afternoon called on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullahs Political Secretary Tanvir Sadiq at his downtown Srinagar residence and discussed the socio-economic and political developments in the state during an hour long interaction.
Tanvir during the course of discussion strongly advocated relaxing of the travel advisory for the state adding that restoration of peace, resolution of the vexed issue and holistic development of the state is a priority of the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The United States should consider relaxing the travel advisory for the state keeping in view the peace, progress and security situation in the valley Tanvir told the visiting diplomats
The Political Secretary said the State has undergone a very difficult phase and due to efforts of the Government and cooperation of the people, peace and normalcy has become a reality.
Emphasizing the need for taking the peace process further by addressing political issues of the state politically Tanvir said that National Conference has always been a votary of cordial Indo Pak relations and referred to the crucial need of engaging Pakistan in productive dialogue, saying the beneficiaries of the good neighborly relations between New Delhi and Islamabad will be the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In this context Tanvir said that the party has been demanding opening Jammu-Silakote, Kargil-Skardu, Nowshera-Changar, Sagra Tatapani Mendla and Titwal route. He said that the party has been advocating strengthening trade across the LoC and replace barter trade with the financial transaction to make it more transparent, healthier and aggressive as also to make the movement of the people across the LoC less cumbersome
Taking about the solution Tanvir said Autonomy is the bed rock of the J&K National Conference and NC is committed to the restoration of the Autonomy as guaranteed by the Constitution of India
Tanvir further told the United States Diplomats about the steps being taken by the state governments to restore peace and bring political stability in the state
Taking about the historical steps taken by the present dispensation headed by Omar Abdullah, Tanvir referred to the holding of Panchayat elections after 34 years describing it as a major step forward in involving the people at grass roots in decision making. He said the overwhelming participation of the electorate, crossing 90 per cent, reflected peoples trust in the democratic institutions
Enactment and implementation of Right to Information (RTI) , Public Service Guarantee Act (PSGA) bringing six public service giving departments under it, is a significant achievement of the government to guarantee public service in a fixed time frame said Tanvir
He added Inspite of cold shoulder from the opposition Omar Abdullah reconstituted the State Accountability Commission in the State in which even the CM is under its purview, he said adding the Chief Ministers gave his nod of setting up an education advisory board to give expert advice on various issues pertaining to growth and development of education in the state
He talked about the new initiatives taken by his government for skill development and enhancing employability of youth. They discussed the way young entrepreneurs are benefited by the EDI to start their ventures.
He also talked about government’s efforts in the sectors of power, education, healthcare, road communication, water supply, agriculture, horticulture, industries and tourism. Tanvir also gave a resume of the initiatives taken to diversify the tourism sector showcasing new areas of interest including adventure, sports and pilgrim tourism,” the statement added.
The US diplomats while showing keen interest in the new initiatives put in place by the Omar-led Government for speedy and equitable development in all the regions and sub-regions of the State, and for restoration of permanent peace and political stability in the State. They assured that all the issues raised with regards to the Travel advisory will be looked into positively.
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