Excelsior Correspondent
VIJAYPUR, Mar 17: National Conference State secretary and former Minister, Surjeet Singh Slathia today underscored the role of youth in changing destiny of Jammu and Kashmir State, saying they have to take lead role in bringing about peace and strengthening unity which is under grave threat from divisive forces.
” Time has come when youth must give a united fight to all those trying to trample the time tested secular ethos of the State by sowing seeds of mistrust and hate”, Slathia said while addressing youth at Sehaj Resort Khod Slarian Ramgarh in Vijaypur Assembly constituency.
He decried divisive politics, saying it has no place in a state like Jammu and Kashmir which is facing many challenges. He urged youth to meet the challenge posed by disruptive and anti-people elements that have left a legacy of unprecedented political instability. “This challenge has to be met”, he said, exuding confidence that National Conference alone can fill the political vacuum in all the three regions and sub regions of the State.
Slathia assailed BJP for exploiting the sentiments of people to further their political agenda and said the youth in particular have remained at the receiving end during the PDP-BJP dispensation, as the duo let them down on every front. He sought special recruitment drive in armed and para- military forces besides police for the youth residing within five kilometer radius of the International Border.
He said the border dwellers have been living a pitiable life, not only because of the intermittent shelling from across the border but due to fear psychosis which restricts their movement to their land holdings for farming. During sowing season they remain off their lands due to threat of shelling.
Slathia exhorted upon the party functionaries to expand their mass contact programme, identify the problems faced to the people and seek their appropriate redressal at appropriate forums.
Local NC leaders Om Prakash Attri, Mohan Singh, Darshan Singh, Tajinder Singh and others also addressed the gathering.
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