Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 19: Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammed Sagar today spelt out the larger role of National Conference in steering Jammu and Kashmir to peace and progress as also assuaging the political aspirations of the people.
Addressing a large gathering, including party workers, at Sher-i-Kashmir Bhavan here this afternoon, the Minister urged the people to play their crucial and useful role in achieving this cherished agenda.
The interaction is part of initiative taken by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to keep available his party Ministers at the National Conference headquarters to address the problems of people.
The Minister referred to the challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir and said the sagacious leadership provided by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during most testing times has enabled the State to overcome difficulties, gradually and significantly. He said the efforts of the Chief Minister have resulted in generating a peaceful and conducive atmosphere which is reflected by the massive participation of voters in Panchayati elections.
“Sense of confidence has enabled 80 to 90 per cent electorate participate in democratic exercise at the grass roots level”, Mr Sagar said, adding that this has delivered a big blow to those who have always been conspiring to weaken National Conference. He pinned many hopes with the Panchayati Raj Institutions, saying that necessary devolution of powers has accelerated developmental activities all over the State. He said a close monitoring mechanism has been put in place to ensure that instructions pertaining to Panchayat empowerment are implemented in letter and spirit.
He reminded peace inimical elements about the chequred history of National Conference that withstood test of times during the past over seven decades and cautioned that there machinations will not succeed in weakening the party. He referred to the great role of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah in building a strong political edifice which empowered the people to be the masters of their own destiny.
Speaking on the occasion, Provincial President National Conference Devender Singh Rana said that the mechanism of interaction initiated by the Chief Minister has provided a forum to the people, especially the party workers, to give went to their political aspirations besides seeking solutions to problems faced by the people. He said the feedback emanating from the party workers will help those in the Government and in the party to frame up adequate strategies while designing policies and programmes for the welfare of the people.
Mr Rana reiterated that National Conference will play the role of bridge between grass roots level workers and the Government functionaries. He called upon workers to be pro-active in their areas and help in mitigating their problems.
Later, deputations from Billawar, Lohi Malahar, Kathua, Baffliaz, Thanna Mandi, Doda and Gool Arnas, Samba, R.S. Pura, Dansal, Bhalwal, Raipur Domana, Ramnagar, Basantgarh, Rajouri, Surankote, Rafibad and Anantnag in Kashmir, Labour Cell, NC students’ union, deputation of Erstwhile Doda Migrant Committee and scores of individuals met the Minister and apprised him of their collective and individual problems.
Present on the occasion were State Vice President Rattan Lal Gupta, Central Secretaries Abdul Gani Malik and Kr. Rachpal Singh, senior leader and former Speaker Legislative Assembly Ghulam Hyder Malik, Bimla Luthra MLA, former legislator Dr. Chaman Lal Bhagat, Th Kashmira Singh, Vijay Lakshmi Dutta, President NC Women Wing Jammu, Romy Khajuria, Satwant Kaur Dogra and other senior party leaders.
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