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| JK CM for two-way dialogue by separatists with Islamabad, New Delhi | | ‘Talks only way forward to resolve issues’ |  Srinagar, December 20 (Scoop News) –While welcoming talks between leaders of certain separatist groups of Kashmir and Islamabad, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Thursday emphasized similar dialogue between them and New Delhi adding that lopsided dialogue process would not yield any result.
“After returning from Pakistan they should also talk to Indian leadership. No one has put any condition for talks for them”, he said adding that separatists should put their agenda before the people and accordingly initiate dialogue with Government of India unconditionally to work out solution to J&K centric political issues acceptable to all stakeholders.
Referring that separatist group which has not gone to Pakistan for talks, the Chief Minister said that when it is an universal truth that militancy has achieved nothing and dialogue is only way forward to settle problems, the other separatist group should also get involved in talks to address complex issues for the good of general public and peace and prosperity in the State.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a function after inaugurating 76 metres long old heritage Zainakadal Timber Bridge after it has been restored and made pliable for pedestrian and light vehicles. He also laid foundation of new bridge downstream Jhelum in Zainakadal area.
Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar was present on the occasion.
Omar Abdullah said that peace is imperative for development and help generate wide-ranging economic activities and employment opportunities for people in general and youth in particular. “We all have to work together to maintain peace and help push forward process of development”, he said.
Describing Srinagar heart of Kashmir and Shahr-e-Khas (Old City) heart of Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said that the State has witnessed disturbance and militancy during the period of over 20 years marring avenues of economic prosperity, education, health, trade and day to day activities of life process. “Shahr-e-Khas has born the severe brunt of this situation and its economy and development received heavy jolt”, he said adding that in order to pull this area out of the economic distress and open vistas of progress for all sections of the society in the area, his government has initiated various programmes.
“We want to showcase the heritage, handicrafts and art and artisans of this area at international tourist map and rope in visitors from all over the country and aboard here”, he said adding that over 12 lakh visitors visited the Valley this year galvanizing the economy of a huge chunk of population dependent on tourism activities. “Rest Houses and Hoteliers in Raj Bagh, Jawahar Nagar and Upper Town have relished the economic benefits by the tourist flow”, he said and maintained that his government wants development of infrastructure and facilities in Shahr-e-Khas to attract direct flow of tourists to this place so that economic benefits of tourist industry are shared by the people of this area equally. He said Zainakadal, Maharaj Gunj and other areas in Shahr-e-Khas are known for heritage characteristic and there are shrines of renowned religious scholars and saints in this area which could be properly showcased for heritage and pilgrim tourism.
Omar Abdullah said that when the proposal for construction of new Zainakadal bridge at the old bridge site came to him for approval, he told the executing agency to protect and preserve the old wooden bridge at Zainakadal by introducing necessary repairs and upgradation for its heritage value. “There are only two wooden bridges left in Srinagar one is the Zero Bridge and the other Zainakadal Bridge. If we demolish these then the heritage of wooden bridges will be lost once for all, I told the executing agency and approved another bridge on modern lines at Zainakadal for which foundation has been laid today and also directed for restoration of old bridge”, he elaborated.
The Chief Minister said that while attention is being paid to improve, upgrade and widen roads in Srinagar equal focus is on rehabilitation of shopkeepers and others who are affected by infrastructural development. He said he has given categorical instructions to the development departments to take due care of paying compensation to the affected and ensure their rehabilitation.
Speaking on the occasion, Ali Mohammad Sagar who is also MLA of the area welcomed the Chief Minister and expressed gratitude to him for his keen interest in the rapid development of the State. He also lauded Chief Minister for approving special schemes for the development of Shahr-e-Khas and art and artisan of the area.
The Rural Development Minister batted for special recruitment drives, upgradation of basic amenities and holistic development of Shahr-e-Khas.
The restoration of Zainakadal Bridge has involved about Rs. 2.50 crores. Its supper structure has been completed by way of repairs and renovation of main timber girders, crossbeams, stresses and slabs for carriage way and footpaths. The sub-structure repair work has been carried out under the directions of consultants and experts and will be completely when water level recedes to its lowest level before the end of winter season.
Omar Abdullah laid foundation of the new double lane bridge with 86 meters span to meet the increasing traffic density in this area. The estimated cost of new bridge is Rs. 8.92 crores for which funds to the tune of Rs. 1.78 crores have been released to initiate the work.
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