J&K can not thrive by filling graveyards: Sagar

Panchayat elections likely in September : Rather

SYED ALI SAFVI

BUDGAM, June 15: Asking separatists to work for “development” and not for “destruction” of the state, minister for rural development and Panchayti Raj, Ali Mohammad Sagar, today said that “Azaadi” (freedom) does not make any sense if the denizens of the state are not feeling safe.

“Slogans of Autonomy, Self Rule and Freedom are only relevant when people have a sense of security,” he told media persons on the sidelines of one-day Gram Sabha Sammelan organized by department of rural development here. “The state can not thrive by filling the graveyards.”

Reiterating state government’s commitment to zero tolerance against human rights violations, Sagar said that those who are found involved in the killing of Tufail Ahmad, who was allegedly shot dead by police on Friday, will not be spared.

“Government’s stand is very clear. Any officer found involved in human rights violations will be strictly dealt with,” he said, adding that revocation of AFSPA is under active consideration of the government.

Referring to Indo-Pak relations, Sagar said that good friendly relations between India and Pakistan are imperative for resolution of Kashmir problem.

“National Conference has always believed in resolving issues through dialogue and our party will facilitate the talks.”

Sagar cautioned the public not pay heed to “propaganda”.

“Lot of propaganda was done against Sheikh (Mohammad Abdullah) sahib, even books were written against him, but he did not give up,” he said. “Similarly, his (Sheikh’s) party will not also succumb to the power of propaganda.”

Asking the people to take “active part” in the forthcoming Panchayati elections, Sagar said that Centre has already sanctioned Rs 1000 crore under 13th Finance Commission meant for Panchayats.

“In absence of Panchayats, the state has had to bear heavy losses,” he said. “I hope after empowering people at Panchayat level, the state can achieve new heights of success.”

Sagar said that Panchayats can bring revolution in the field of development in the state.

“Empowering people at Panchayat level was a dream of Sheikh sahib, and I hope within next five-six years we will be able to realise his dream and make Panchayats flourish,” he said. “J&K can not become a model state unless its 6709 villages are developed,” he said.

Lauding the role of Budgam district administration, particularly that of deputy commissioner Budgam, Mohamamd Rafi, the minister said that Budgam district is one of the fastest developing districts in the state.

Terming National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) as a potential tool for bringing overall transformation and development of rural areas, Sagar asked the people to come forward and avail the maximum benefits of this landmark scheme.

He said that an amount of Rs 196 crore has been spent so far under NREGA scheme during the current year.

“In recognition of the successful implementation of the scheme, the Centre has increased the funds to the tune of Rs 560 crore,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, minister for finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, said that the state government is committed to empower people at Panchayat level.

He said that National Conference government had prepared Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act in 1989.

“The Panchayat elections could not be held due post 1989 situation in Kashmir,” he said. “Hopefully, Panchayat elections will now be held in the months of September-October this year.

Rather asked people to choose “honest” and “God fearing” candidates for Panchayat polls.

“A three-tier planning and development setup will come into effect, which will go a long way in decentralization of powers,” he said. “It will ensure participation of people in policy formulation and implementation.”

Appreciating the role of DC Budgam for successful implementation of NREGA schemes, Rather said that under NREGA schemes people can bring about a revolution.

In his address, minister for animal husbandry, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, said the government has undertaken several welfare schemes for bringing socio-economic transformation in the state.

He said the NC-Congress coalition government is committed for the development of rural areas of the state.

He asked Ali Mohammad Sagar to direct officials of rural development department to intensify the pace of development in the rural areas.

Provincial president of NC, Ali Mohammad Dar, director rural development, Jahangir Dar, and DC Budgam, Mohammad Rafi, also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the ministers also distributed cheques worth Rs 18 lakh among the beneficiaries of Indira Awas Yojna (IAY) of the district.