By TwoCircles.net news desk
Srinagar: Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Minister for Finance, Housing & Urban Development, Mr Tariq Hameed Karra has said the Kashmir issue can be resolved only by addressing its political, economic and social aspects through a wide-ranging resolution package involving both the external and internal dimensions of the problem.
Addressing a public gathering in the historic Jamia Masjid area of the Shahr-e-Khaas (Old City) here today, Mr Karra said the PDP has transformed the State’s political landscape by helping create conducive atmosphere for initiation and continuation of the process of dialogue for a just and durable resolution of the Kashmir issue. “I would describe the post-2002 approach to governance in Jammu & Kashmir as the citizen-oriented governance that simultaneously addressed their sense of dignity and day-to-day needs,” he said and added that the policies of the Coalition Government, right from its inception, have, in a great measure resulted in the growing engagement and involvement of the people in the political and democratic processes.
Acknowledging that the crucial people-oriented issues raised by the PDP are evoking positive response in the Government of India at the highest level, Mr Karra said that only through the measures like reduction of troops and revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) a way could be paved for a more meaningful and constructive process of political reconciliation and institutional empowerment in the State. “While the vacation of schools and hospitals by the troops is a welcome step, it must not be the end, but mark the beginning of a larger process of troop reduction followed by revocation of AFSPA in the interest of peace,” he said and added that the Srinagar city needs to be cleared of all the bunkers before the onset of the next tourist season to minimize the visibility of the security forces.
Mr Karra said the time has come when the populace of the Srinagar city must also energetically participate in the democratic process to have a greater say in the decision-making and get their due share of development. He said cutting across the political affiliations and ideologies, various shades of opinion from the city must put their act together to ensure succor and relief to the people of Srinagar who have faced the brunt of the turmoil to the hilt. “We may be subscribing to different political thoughts and ideologies, but certain basic amenities of life like electricity, drinking water, better hygienic conditions, good roads, quality education and healthcare are required by every citizen,” he said and added that the residents of the city could claim their due share in such facilities only when they have adequate and inclusive representation in the government. “I am sure this realization has dawned on the citizens of Srinagar that by remaining aloof from the political and democratic processes, they are causing more harm to themselves than anybody else,” he said.
Responding to the issues raised by the Jamia Masjid Management Committee, the Finance Minister announced that a comprehensive beautification plan would be formulated by the R&B Department and the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) for the development of roads and parks in and around the Jamia Masjid. He said the plan of action would be implemented after discussing it with the Management Committee. He said under the rehabilitation package around 300 street vendors to be removed from the Jamia Masjid area would be resettled at Kawdara for which adequate land has been identified.
Mr Karra also announced some measures on-the-spot for the development of the Jamia Masjid area. These include installation of flood lights inside the mosque premises, reinstallation of street lights in the area, renovation of fountains and widening and refurbishing of the main gates of the mosque.
Earlier, on his arrival Mr Karra offered prayers at the Jamia Masjid. People in large numbers called on the Minister, during his visit to the area and drew his attention towards the problems confronting them.