A
good beginning
Sir,
The
interaction of new CM, Mufti Mohd Sayeed
with Mr Fayaz Shaharyar on DDK, Jammu was
devoid of any gimmicks jugglary of which
we perhaps were made habitual by the
earlier rulers. The questions posed were
all relevant and the answers were equally
simple, realistic, statesman like &
scientific. Reflection of the realities
on the ground surfaced. However, a few
more things could have certainly found a
place in the interaction, like
socio-economic and political
rehabilitation of KPs etc. Anyway, it is
hoped that the subject might find place
in some other discussion with Chief
Minister.
If the
initial tempo of the new Government
remains there, then the people of this
State can think that their miseries shall
some day be over. We have no reason as of
now to disbelieve the words of the Chief
Minister. If he means that corruption
cannot be tolerated by his Government and
if he is able to strike balance between
responsibility and accountability, then
there can be no reason that the menace
cannot be curbed. New CM has to prove his
critics wrong by giving a distinctly
just, equitable and non discriminatory
Government to really provide a healing
touch to the masses. Concern of the
Government for the various ethnic
communities of the State, including KPs
shall be an area to watch in the next a
few years. Though the beginning in this
direction also has been good unlike the
previous Government.
Mehbooba
Mufti's recent visit to migrant camps
followed by the visit of Revenue Minister
was a great pointer in this direction.
The displaced people languishing in
camps, be they from Kashmir valley or
border areas of Jammu need a real healing
touch. These people have no objection if
this touch is extended to the widows,
orphans and victims in the valley but
they expect that in this process they
should receive an equal treatment. They
have pinned their hopes on the new Govt.
Since the
CM is well abreast of the common man's
problems and miseries, he has given the
indication of addressing to those
concerns, on priority. It goes to his
credit that after only a few days of
assuming office, the daily power cut was
reduced by half. We have to take him by
his word that the electricity shall be
ensured in the evening hours at whatever
the cost. This is simple but significant
as these intentions clearly define the
priorities of the Government.
The
promise of recruitment on merits
irrespective of region, religion is a
tall one and shall serve as a litmns test
for the new Government.
Release of
some political prisoners and certain
other detenues is not a new thing in
J&K during last 13 years of
militancy. Government of India and State
Govt. has taken similar measures a number
of times earlier. This cannot be held as
a measuring rod for analysing the
performance of present State Govt.
Good
governance shall be the hall mark of his
Govt. As per his own assertion this
turbulent state of J&K has provided
us with a great opportunity similar to
one as provided in 1996. If he succeeds
in injecting a sense of democracy and
freedom down to the heart of a common
man, it will really be a turning point in
the history of J&K as well as India.
The New CM understands and realises the
challenge posed by this big 'IF'. He
believes in people's power and it is good
for the State.
This State
does not need finesse in articulation, it
is in need of a healing touch without any
discrimination on the basis of region or
religion, which the new dispensation has
promised to extend. The beginning has
been fantastic and people hope that the
'first impression' shall also be the
'last impression'.
Yours etc.....
Kuldeep Koul
Jammu.
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