Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: PDP member Zaffar Iqbal Manhas today advised all the members and stake holders on Kashmir not to glorify gun and excesses and work jointly for restoration of permanent peace in the State.
Initiating the discussion in the Upper House on Governor’s Address, Zaffar Manhas, advocated for restoration of complete peace in the State. He urged upon State and Central Government to take immediate steps to create a positive atmosphere in the State to prevent the youth from taking the path of violence. He said that violence/ gun was no solution.
PDP member advised the members not to glorify gun culture and said that the peace is imperative for development and all steps should be taken to restore it so that the State moves ahead towards prosperity and growth. He called for upholding the sanctity of the ‘House of Elders’ to send a positive message among the people that their issues are being discussed seriously. He said public keeps watch on the workings of this House and they have high expectations. “We all are duty bound to maintain the sanctity and dignity of this House,” Manhas added.
Congress member Ghulam Nabi Monga asked the Government to fulfill the commitment it has made with them during last three years. He said that Government should take concrete steps to prevent the incidents of violence in which innocent people are being killed. He also called for giving more powers to the Panchayat institutions so that democracy is strengthen at the grassroots level. He alleged that this Govt has weakened the several institutions in the State. Monga alleged that both the ruling parties have ditched the people of the State.
NC member Showkat Ahmad Ganie said that the Governor’s Address lacked future plan and policies of Government for the development of State. He called for taking measures to deal with the prevailing situation in Kashmir and advocated for involving all stakeholders in the dialogue process. He invited strong reaction when he referred to the role of RSS and also spoke some objectionable words against Modi. It resulted into heated exchanges on both the sides for some time.
Mohammad Yousuf Sofi, while appreciating the Governor’s Address, said that Government has initiated several developmental and welfare schemes in the State for which Union Government has been extending liberal funding.
Hailing the initiatives taken by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and former Chief Minister late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for the development of State, he said that the opening of roads across LoC was the biggest confidence building measure and a step to create conducive atmosphere for dialogue process. He appreciated the decision of Government for regularization of DRWs engaged in different departments. He further urged the Government to take measures to contain the rising unemployment problem in the State.
PDP member Javed Ahmad Mirchal praised the Government for taking forward the mission of peace, progress and development initiated by former Chief Minister, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Lauding the role of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for undertaking people outreach programme, he said that this initiative shows seriousness of Government in resolving the issues of public importance at their doorsteps.
NC member Aga Syed Mehmood called upon the Government to take steps to prevent 2016 like situation in the State. He called upon the members to work together for peace and betterment of the people of the State.
Congress member Sham Lal Bhagat called for formulation of a comprehensive policy for the development of rural areas. He demanded compensation to NoKs of political workers killed by militants. He said that the schemes of Rural Development and other departments meant for development of rural areas should be implemented effectively so that benefits reach to the deserving lot.
He also called for setting up of vegetable and fruits mandis, up-grading of roads, education, health and PHE infrastructure in rural areas.
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