Omar hits out at separatists for shunning dialogue

This was the first public meeting addressed by the chief minister in the Valley since the ongoing unrest began on June 11,leaving over 100 dead.

Both the hardline Hurriyat faction led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and the moderates led by Mirwaiz Umer Farooq have dismissed the eight-point package announced by the Centre last week to defuse the situation in J-K.

Omar lashed out at separatists saying it was unfortunate that the perpetrators of lockouts and closing down of schools are ensuring education of their children outside the state but do not care for the education of the children of common people.

“Let us feel our responsibilities towards the society and the state and shun the tactics of disturbing peace and marring the education and economy of the state,” he said.

Omar called for taking recourse to peaceful political means including a dialogue process for venting political opinions and grievances.

He said his government would facilitate dialogue between the Centre and various shades of opinion in the state while acting as a bridge in improving relations between India and Pakistan.

The chief minister said he has continuously and categorically advocated politically addressing the political issues of the state.

“I also campaigned vigorously for restoring internal and external dialogue channels to find out lasting solution to all issues as per the aspirations of the people,” he said.

Welcoming the eight-point package announced by the Centre to address the crisis in Kashmir,Omar expressed confidence that the group of interlocutors for political dialogue would interact with all shades of opinion so that a “unique” solution is sought for Jammu and Kashmir situation.

The Chief Minister said he had sought public mandate in 2008 Assembly Elections on development issues and never made any promise about resolution of Kashmir issue.

“However,I am the first Chief Minister who strongly campaigned for addressing political issues of Jammu and Kashmir politically taking all shades of opinion on board,” he said.

The chief minister said his government would continue to work positively in this direction so that the issues are settled once for all.

On development,Omar said that his government would strive hard to fulfil all the promises made to public during electioneering.

“However,peace is must to carry forward development and accomplish the targets in the prescribed timeline,” he added.

The chief minister said 50,000 job opportunities were lost in the Valley’s private sector due to the three month long unrest.

“Three months of law and order situation in the Valley has caused loss of job opportunities for about 50000 youth in the private sector,” he said

Omar said he had persuaded the big business houses and investors in private sectors to launch projects in the state and employ locals.

“Many private companies had already announced launch of their projects in Kashmir and many were in preparation to do so,but the disturbance and law and order situation has discouraged them badly,” he said.

On taking the charge of the state,Omar said he concentrated on creating employment opportunities for youth and kick-started multi-pronged development activities to upgrade infrastructure and enhance facilities in the five important sectors of health,education,communication,water supply and power.

“Unfortunately,the gigantic employment generation programme and development process has been hampered by the law and order situation created in the Valley,” he said adding massive damage has been caused to the economy and the education of the students also.

The chief minister renewed his appeal for “keeping education neutral to conflicts”.

“Education is the fundamental right of every child and imparting education should be deemed as essential as food and health,” he said.

Omar expressed confidence that the perpetrators of strikes would understand the importance of education in the development and healthy future of the state and would not create hurdles in the learning process.