Uri, Feb 14: In run up to opening of Srinagar- Muzaffarabad road, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today inspected Uri-Lalpul road and decided to create new infrastructure for the convenience of visitors.
Accompanied by his five ministerial colleagues, Mr.
Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Mr.
Ghulam Hassan Mir, Mr.
Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Dr.
Ghulam Nabi Lone, Mr.
Usman Majid and senior civil and army officers, Mufti Sayeed ordered creation of wayside facilities like cafeterias, public conveyances, rest houses, green spots, shelter sheds etc on this side of Muzaffarabad road for visitors at Salamabad, Boniyar and Nowshara.
After detailed discussions with army authority and Commissioner Customs and Central Excise J&K, the Chief Minister said that customs /immigrations complex would be established at Urusa, the last inhabited village near LOC.
While the last village on LOC is Kaman, but immigration office can not be proposed there in view of space constraint and topography.
Mufti Sayeed also announced that the government would develop and project Uri and adjoining areas as show window of Kashmir for own brethren coming from across the border on opening of the road which was once an unrealizable dream.
Talking to media persons after inspection of the road, the Chief Minister said that he is hopeful of decision in two-three months about the opening of Muzaffarabad road.
Technical committee of India and Pakistan are meeting for the purpose.
" We are preparing for that happy occasion and planning to receive our brethren with much better infrastructure." When asked whether Pakistan is also taking similar steps on their side of the road, the Chief Minister said that he is not aware of it but there is lot of enthusiasm and excitement among the people there too.
During Hajj, many pilgrims of Bhag tehsil, Muzaffarabad, Chakoti and other areas of POK met him and asked "Mufti Sahib, when Srinagar- Muzaffarabad road is being opened." There is upbeat mood of the people on both sides of the border.
They want to meet their relatives and friends on both sides of the border.
When asked whether there would be Nepal type entry system (immigration), the Chief Minister said both India and Pakistan would sort out modalities for the purpose.
Mufti seeks people's help for peace Baramulla, Feb 14: Saying that discernable change and generation of new atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir is primarily due to the people, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today asked the people to stand by the coalition government in the hour of trying circumstances so that the process of peace and suitability is taken to the logical end.
Addressing a massive public meeting after laying the foundation stone of Rs.
1.10 core hostel complex for OBC students at Degree College here this afternoon.
The Chief Minister said that he foresee a bright tomorrow for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the change has occurred.
In the state because people wanted peace with dignity and resolution of problem through dialogue.
He said initiation of process of dialogue to address internal and external dimensions of the problem is a greater achievement.
He said he is confident that people would be brought out from the morass and peace is once again restored with satisfaction of all.
Without naming any one he however regretted that some people are still not understand the reality.
"when we took reins of administration in November 2002 and even before we used to be flooded with complaints of indiscriminate arrests and disappearances.
Today situation is not that bad and there is a greater sense of security and confidence".
Expressing his happiness over things moving in right direction as per the agenda of their coalition government, Mufti Sayeed said that dreams are now transforming in to realities.
He said no body ever thought of opening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road but today it is no longer a dream.
He said the government is preparing to open the road to facilitate meeting of divided families.
He said while Uri Muzaffarabad had been an old trade root that had been snapped by the due to the unfortunate events of 1947-48 now we want to review this root to the benefit of people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"We will not make Baramulla as gateway of Kashmir but also gateway of India".
The Chief Minister made a special mention of recently announced rehabilitation policy for militants who will shun the gun and said that this is an opportunity for the youth to return to their homes and live with dignity with their families.
Reminding that their mothers and sisters are eagerly waiting for their return to their fold, he said what is the justification for continuing to hold the gun when the issues are being resolved in peaceful manner.
In fact they should give a peace a change.
He asked them to see writing on the wall and strengthen the peace process by dropping the gun.
The Chief Minister said initially some elements try to dub as pro militant but gradually the entire country come to sport its strategy to deal with the situation.
He said though Congress the main option party in the country is the major coalition partner in the state government yet BJP led NDA government too extended its support to us.
He said all over proposals on the economic development or political front always got a centres nod quickly.
He said if ever there is any consensus in the country on any thing it is only on J and K were we are pursuing pro people policies.
Even NDA government understands well that this coalition government is the one that dispenses justice one to all and brooks no discrimination.
The Central funds are being utilized properly and for the first time Central government has released additional allocation on many Central sponsored schemes in view of our better performances.
Mufti Sayeed said that his government is giving focus on horticulture development and not only toll tax was exempted but formulated horticulture technology mission of Rs.
He said market intervention scheme would also be implemented this year.
Minister for Finance Mr.
Muzaffar Hussain Baig in his address said that there are still certain elements who are inimical to peace but we are confident enough that peace will dawn in the state.
He said that J & K acted as a bridge between India and Pakistan in strengthening friendly relations.
Saying that the winds of change have blown with the unflinching cooperation of the people.
Baig said that in next four years every nook and corner of the valley would be extended with electricity, water supply and connectivity facilities.
He said ours is the first state, which was granted Rs.
350 crores as a bonus over and above normal plan allocations by the Central government in view of excellent performance whileas during the previous government-matching amount was cut from normal plan due to poor fiscal and physical performance.
Meanwhile, work on the 240 new Uri phase II hydroelectric Project is likely to commence in July- August this year.
This information was given to Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed by the Chief Engineer NHPC Mr.
Saraf during presentation on the project here this morning.
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