Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday stressed on addressing political issues of Jammu and Kashmir in a political and peaceful atmosphere to usher the State into permanent tranquility.
He said that Indo-Pak relations have a direct bearing on Jammu and Kashmir adding that the thaw in their relations affects peace and development in the State and any tension between the two creates difficulties in Srinagar.
A government spokesman said that the CM was addressing a large public gathering at Diskit, one of the remotest corners in Leh district of Ladakh.
The chief minister said that while campaigning in 2008 Assembly elections he had asked for votes from the people to resolve their development issues. "However, my government right from the day first also worked for creating an atmosphere in which political issues of Jammu and Kashmir could be addressed both by the internal as well as external dialogue processes", he added.
"We are continuously working in this direction and want Indo-Pak relations to improve so that all the outstanding issues between the two neighbours are resolved peacefully across the table", he said. He said that gun has never been instrumental to resolve issues. "Gun has always created problems and bloodshed", he said.
On development, the chief minister said that during the last three and a half years "his government has ensured holistic and balanced development all across the State". He said that special focus has been on construction of roads and bridges, power generation, health and education facilities and on the sectors of PHE, agriculture and allied disciplines, tourism, social welfare and entrepreneurship development to generate employment.
{{/usCountry}}On development, the chief minister said that during the last three and a half years "his government has ensured holistic and balanced development all across the State". He said that special focus has been on construction of roads and bridges, power generation, health and education facilities and on the sectors of PHE, agriculture and allied disciplines, tourism, social welfare and entrepreneurship development to generate employment.
{{/usCountry}}The chief minister said that various schemes have been launched in Nobra area to upgrade basic amenities. He said that he is persuading Centre for construction of Khardungla Tunnel and is hopeful that he will succeed in his efforts and the Central Government would accede to this demand of the State as it has done in case of Zojila and Z-Morh Tunnels.
He also announced construction of three bridge projects at a cost of Rs 35 crores in Nobra area adding that his government has successfully advocated these road projects for the area for which Central Government has assured funding.