Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Nov 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that National Conference (NC) leaders were sidestepped in early 1990s to pave way for the separatists to resolve the Kashmir issue.
Omar while addressing a public rally in South Kashmir’s militancy infested Tral Township under tight security, said that NC leaders deserted their homeland in 1990’s not due to any fear or weakness but with the contention that the then separatists leadership may make any dent vis-a-vis resolving Kashmir issue.
“But the result is before you. They have not been able to deliver anything other than creating bloodshed and bundles of difficulties for people. Their claim of changing the system and the flag of the State proved totally a failure and they were not able to remove even a bunker from the State not to talk of changing the system”, the Chief Minister said.
Omar ridiculed their statements on scarcity of electricity and construction of infrastructure in the State. He said that development and improvement in electricity will not come from across the border or by talking to Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Sartaj Aziz.
He asked separatists to join the system if they want development. “It will come when you become the part of system and handle the affairs of the State in a democratic way”, he said, adding that separatists should give up that duplicity as it is always dangerous tactics.
Omar said that militancy and violence have changed not an iota on political spectrum of the State but resorted to miseries, economic disaster and blood-shed.
He said that some elements tried their best for the failure of his public meeting by resorting to firing to create fear psychosis among the people. “I salute your bravery that you have come out despite lot of pressure and threats and made the function a success”, he told the gathering.
Omar said that violence has no place in resolving issues. He said that violence only adds difficulties in finding solution to the problems. “You have witnessed a saga of fear and bloodshed in 25 years. Violence has not even transferred an inch of land from this side to that side but gave tears to every household in the State. It converted our playfields into graveyards and happy homes into mourning dens”, he added.
He asked the separatists to join the talks process for resolving the issue politically. “I have always talked for the need of talks and will continue to bat for the same to create conducive atmosphere for addressing political issues of the State politically”, he said.
“We cannot blame Delhi or Islamabad for our miseries because we are ourselves responsible for all the wrong”, Omar said and also referred to the unearthing of malpractice by the head of BOPEE and others in medical entrance examination.
Chief Minister said: “When our own officers would stoop so low for money and mar the rights of genuine and qualified youth whom could we blame.” He said that his Government has unearthed the scam on its own initiative and would hand-over the severe punishment to the culprits as per the provisions of law.
Omar said that the “venomous and hateful” attitude of PDP against NC has made this party not to establish working relationship with the Government despite our attempts. “We wanted them to be in relation with Government for seeking welfare of the people and the State to resolve day-to-day difficulties of people on various development fronts but the hate PDP possesses against NC restricts it to move in this direction”, he said.
Chief Minister said that he have equal attention to all Assembly Constituencies whether these are represented by the coalition partners or not. “This is why you see all round development in Tral Assembly Constituency despite being represented by PDP MLA”, he said.
Omar while listing the development schemes and spending of funds in Tral constituency said Rs 5.79 crores have been spent in Tral on construction of roads during 2012-13, constructing and upgrading over 50 kilometres of roads. He said during the current year so far Rs 3.63 crores have been spent in the constituency on road sector and 18.30 kilometres of road length has been macadamized and blacktopped.
Chief Minister said that 5 bridges are under construction in the constituency at a cost of Rs 8.15 crores of which Rs 4.38 crores have been spent so far. He said Wagad-Aripal-Naristan road involving Rs 3 crores has been approved under NABARD. He said 8 irrigation schemes have been taken up under minor irrigation project in Tral involving Rs 8.94 crores while as work on Tral and Rajpora Lift Irrigation Schemes has been approved under AIBP. “These schemes involve Rs. 210.96 crores”, he added.
Omar said that the infrastructure of Sub-District Hospital will be completed soon. He said that on the construction of Khankah, Rs 2.50 crore have been spent under Phase-I and a project for Phase-II construction has been formulated involving Rs 6.50 crore.
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