Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Dec 22: Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today hoped that reconciliatory moves of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, will lead to lasting peace in the region. He hailed the two PMs for their farsightedness and maturity in extending hand of friendship towards each other.
Mufti while addressing a public gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir Park after laying foundation stone of a new flyover (grade separator) near TRC Junction Srinagar, hoped that the fresh reconciliatory moves would result in lasting peace in the region. “The voices of people of J&K have been heard. I hope the two countries will now engage in a comprehensive and sustained dialogue to reduce trust deficit which will pave way for more people-to-people contact, confidence building measures and broadening of the scope of trade across the Line of Control (LoC) as well the International Border. I also hope the fresh reconciliatory moves between India and Pakistan will break new ground and result in lasting and sustained peace in the region,” he said.
Chief Minister promised to make the state an abode of peace and tranquility. He said that his endeavor is to end political uncertainty which has brought miseries to the people of the State.
On the implementation of National Food Security Act in the State, Mufti said the government took a big decision to provide ration to people on subsidized price as per Census 2011. Referring to the criticism from opposition parties and separatist groups on the act, he said: “However, we welcome suggestions and ensure that all stakeholders will be taken on board.”
Mufti said that his Government’s emphasis is development of the summer capital and decongestion of old city. “Srinagar is our heart. The government will offer land as equity to develop new housing colonies and townships in PPP mode, especially for urban poor and those belonging to very low-income groups. I feel the pain confronting people and understand hardship facing them on the housing front. We will overcome the acute shortage of affordable housing colonies in downtown city which is bursting at its seam,” he said.
Spelling out his plan to develop Srinagar as a Smart City, Chief Minister said that initiatives are being taken for its major facelift. He said since Srinagar bore the brunt of devastating floods of 2014, adequate portion of funds out of the economic and relief package announced by the Centre have been earmarked for flood protection measures and restoration of infrastructure damaged in floods. “The administration has become proactive and is geared up to ameliorate the sufferings of people,” he assured.
Drawing the attention of the people towards choking of roads due to ever-expanding vehicular traffic, Mufti said once the ADB-funded flyover between Jehangir Chowk and Rambagh and the new Grade Separator at TRC Crossing are commissioned, it will substantially reduce the traffic woes faced by the commuters.
Mufti reiterated his commitment to empower people by holding Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections as per schedule. He said he is committed to empower youth by ensuring devolution of powers to grassroots’ level institutions. “Decentralisation of powers will enable people to take their own decisions and fix accountability,” he added.
Chief Minister highlighted the focus of the Government on skill development which will facilitate employability of our trained human resource in ever-growing job market. He also underscored the need to preserve our rare skills in making of fabled handicraft, which he said resuscitated our economy during troubled times. “The Government has launched Skill Development Mission which will provide policy guidelines to enable our youth to get gainfully employed, especially in the burgeoning private sector,” he added.
Referring to his earlier announcement to constitute a Political Affairs’ Committee of PDP during a high-level party meeting on December 19, Mufti said it will facilitate frequent interaction between Ministers and party workers to ensure redressal of genuine grievances of the public in a time-bound manner. “We will make the administration accountable and responsive to the needs and demands of the people,” he stated.
The president of the PDP and MP Mehbooba Mufti while referring to turmoil in the Muslim world, said that it is an irony that Islam is being maligned and portrayed as a religion advocating violence. She urged youth of Kashmir to come forward and present the religion of Islam in its true sense before the world.
On NFSA, Mehbooba said the Government will not allow the people to suffer and in case there are concerns, these will be appropriately addressed. She assured the people that the Government will create ample avenues of employment for the educated unemployed.
Earlier, Chief Minister had extensive tour of old Srinagar today, during which he reviewed progress of various development projects in Tourism, R&B, Sports and other sectors. He is the first Chief Minister who visited interiors of Srinagar since the outbreak of militancy in Kashmir to reach out to people of the old city which has faced the maximum brunt of militancy and violence for last two and half decades.
Mufti paid obeisance at Hazratbal and reviewed the arrangements for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). He visited the shrine premises and passed several instructions to upgrade the facilities.
Chief Minister visited downtown Srinagar including localities on the periphery of the Jama Masjid at Nowhatta and the revered shrines of Khanqah-e-Moula, Hazrat Bilal Rumi (RA) and Tomb of Gani Kashmiri at Rajouri Kadal, Imam Bara at Zadibal, Eidgah, Sports Stadia at Rajouri Kadal and Rudpora, Sangarmal City Centre and Basant Bagh Ghat to make assessment of the extant status of ongoing works.
During his visit to Hazratbal, Mufti gave instructions for obtaining professional services for conceptualising the work befitting the majesty and grandeur of the interiors of Hujre-Khaas (Sanctum Sanctorum), on the pattern of Khanqah-e-Moula. He also issued instructions for developing the lakefront on the backside of the Dargah so that it is made attractive for the visitors.
Director Tourism, Kashmir, briefed the Chief Minister about the proposed project regarding construction of a dormitory and washrooms at a cost of Rs.1.60 crore. The proposed structure will have 42 Ablution Centres in the ground floor with separate facilities for women.
At Zadibal, Mufti passed instructions for working out modalities for paying compensation to the families, whose house properties and structures have been acquired for facilitating the expansion of Imam Bara, which is being executed by R&B Department. The Project has been conceived at a cost of Rs.11.97 crore, out of which Rs.9.49 crore have been earmarked for payment of compensation for acquired structures. The Chief Minister during his earlier visit to Zadibal had ordered expansion of the Imam Bara.
On his arrival at Eidgah, the Chief Minister was briefed about the development of the Park by the Floriculture Department at a cost of Rs.1.08 crore. He was told that the project will be completed by the end of March, next year.
Describing beautification of Chattabal Weir as revival of Kashmir’s unique heritage, Mufti directed the Chief Engineer I&FC, Kashmir, to develop the riverbanks which will improve the ambiance of the place. He also issued instructions for landscaping the parks maintained by I&FC running all along the river banks to make the these attractive for the visitors.
At Rajouri Kadal, the Chief Minister first paid obeisance at the shrine of Hazrat Bilal Rumi (RA) and later offered Fetaha at the adjoining tomb of famous poet, Gani Kashmiri. He gave on-spot instructions for sprucing up the premises by developing a park and providing a proper drainage system.
As a follow-up to his instructions during earlier tour, the Chief Minister visited Gani Stadium at Rajouri Kadal as well Rudpora Stadium. To make the two stadia centres for sports-related activities, he suggested inclusion of local representatives in the committees responsible for organizing the sporting itineraries.
At Rudpora, Mufti also passed directions for construction of marriage hall on the available land adjacent to the Radpora Stadium.
The Chief Minister also laid foundation of two-storied Community Hall in the periphery of the historic Jama Masjid, which shall be constructed at a cost of Rs.5.69 crore, including Rs.3.58 crore earmarked for acquisition of structures.
The construction of Community Hall in this locality would provide much-need relief to the people living around this area as it will facilitate holding of marriage functions and other social events.
After his arrival at Khanqah-e-Moula, the Chief Minister was briefed about the acquisition of structures in Phase I for expansion of the shrine premises. He directed the Floriculture Department to landscape the existing park and other areas within the shrine precincts.
Mufti visited Sangarmal City Centre, the VC SDA briefed the Chief Minister about the proposed multiplex on the land recently transferred to it from the Estates Department. The complex will have a children’s park, a banquet hall, food courts and underground parking. He desired that the provision for parking should be substantially augmented and till such time the execution is given a head-start, the work on the landscaping should immediately commence.
At Basant Bagh, the Chief Minister instructed that the development of park along the Ghat should be assigned to the Floriculture Department.
Chief Minister during the tour of the city was accompanied by his Ministers, several PDP leaders and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti.
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