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| Indo-Pak relations impact J&K security scenario:Omar | | holds position on gradual revocation of AFSPA |  New Delhi,, June 5 (Scoop News) –J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday said that “there is a need to resume the talks with the neighbouring country (Pakistan) and further add to the list of confidence building measures”, he maintained and said that the improved relations between India and Pakistan have definite positive impact in the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir State.
Addressing the Chief Ministers’ Conference on Internal Security here, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Wednesday made a strong case for setting in motion a mechanism which can guide phased removal of AFSPA from the State.
“Most of the people will share my opinion that the overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir State has improved significantly and as per now, there are many districts which have not witnessed militancy related incidents for quite some time. This gives us the confidence to re-visit some of the special laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which were enacted to counter the menace of militancy”, he asserted and said that he has been consistently advocating for phased withdrawal of AFSPA from the State in the beginning from the areas which have been free from militancy for quite some time.
“Working Groups constituted by the Prime Minister have also recommended revocation of AFSPA, so have the Interlocutors in their report”, said the Chief Minister adding that keeping in view the improved security scenario he would strongly urge the Government of India to set in motion a mechanism which can guide us for removal of AFSPA.
Omar Abdullah said that besides advocating revocation of AFSPA in the Chief Ministers’ Conferences on Internal Security, he has been continuously pitching for partial and gradual revocation of AFSPA from the areas where peace has prevailed and militancy related incidents have diminished considerably. He said that he has also highlighted this issue in the meetings with the Prime Minister, Home Minister and at various Unified Command Headquarter meetings and other fora including former Home Minister. “Though these are the fora where such issues are raised for getting noted for required action, yet if someone feels that I should write DO to the concerned in this regard, I will definitely do the same”, he added and said that we cannot wait for last gun to fall silent before moving ahead positively on this important issue.
Omar Abdullah said that when no AFSPA like laws are required to be imposed in Naxal affected areas where heinous crimes are being committed by Naxalites, how it could be necessary to keep such laws in force in the areas in Jammu and Kashmir which have become by and large peaceful?
Strongly holding the position that a process of sustained, sincere and meaningful dialogue is the key to resolve all outstanding issues howsoever contentious these may be, the Chief Minister said that constructive dialogue with people from different shades of opinion in the State could substantially facilitate towards a common agreed solution.
On Rehabilitation Policy, Omar Abdullah said that there is urgent need for economic and social rehabilitation for those who are returning to the State from PoK under this policy. “We have to facilitate their economic and social rehabilitation”, he said and sought a joint programme by the Union and the State Governments in this regard.
The Chief Minister said that the return of youth under Rehabilitation Policy would also help to solve the issue of disappearance of people to a greater extent as many of them who had crossed the LoC during the period of disturbance but did not resorted to violence, want to return back and live a peaceful life. However, he cautioned against the incident like that of Syed Liyaqat Shah and said that there is an important need of close liaison between various security Agencies, J&K Police and the police forces of other States to avoid any confusion.
On the need for creating conducive and safe environment for J&K youth to pursue higher educational goals in various parts of the Country, Omar Abdullah said that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have been making great strides in education and other fields. He said the number of candidates qualifying the Central Civil Service Examination is increasing year by year and the youth of the State are making their presence felt in different fields including private sector.
The Chief Minister said that the students of Jammu and Kashmir pursuing studies outside the State in different parts of the Country and those in other professions need a conducive and safe environment to enable them to realize their dreams and contribute in Nation building. “I would urge the Union Government and my counter parts in different States of the Country to promote and provide safe environment to the people of the State who are pursuing their studies and vocations in various parts of the Country”, he said adding that it would be a positive step in boosting their confidence and encouraging them to move to different parts of the Country for seeking education and employment.
Omar Abdullah stressed on putting in place a mechanism where under students and professionals of Jammu and Kashmir pursuing their goals in the Country could access the concerned authorities in those States in case of any emergency. He also asked the heads of various States to direct their Police Forces to ascertain the veracity of facts and antecedents of residents of Jammu and Kashmir from the J&K Police Force in case of any inquiry or suspicion, before taking any action or making any arrest.
Underlining the importance and significance of the voices of mainstream political parties, the Chief Minister said that their voices should be registered properly to avoid the chance of letting separatist hijack the situations. He said inaction on the report prepared by Interlocutors, in which peace loving majority people of Jammu and Kashmir had pinned hopes, has diluted the strengthen of such an important confidence building measure.
On rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits, Omar Abdullah pitched for enhancing the package for KPs to facilitate their return to their native land. He said though job package announced for KP youth has helped to some extent in creating an environment conducive for their return, yet many more steps are required in this direction. He urged the Union Government to enhance the assistance under accommodation package for Kashmiri Pandits so that they could construct their houses.
On security situation, the Chief Minister said that as the security scenario in the State continues to improve, the tourists feel safe to visit the State and foreign countries have begun withdraw adverse travel advisories. He said government would continue to work in tandem with the Central Government to have the travel advisories withdrawn by the remaining foreign countries.
The Chief Minister said that in the year 2012 which was by far the best in Jammu and Kashmir in past 25 years in terms of all parameters, a record number of 12,36,941 tourists visited the State as compared to 8,98,558 during 2011. The pilgrimage to Shri Amarnath Ji and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi stood at 6,21,104 and 1,01,38,256 respectively. He said for the conduct of Shri Amarnath Ji yatra all necessary arrangements have been made.
“As the security situation is continuously improving concerted efforts are being made to reduce the footprints of security forces from the inhabited areas and also to vacate the government and private buildings occupied by the security and para-military forces”, he said and elaborated that 179 schools, 37 hospitals, 33 hotels, 919 private buildings, 264 government buildings and 27 industrial and other establishments have been vacated so far and restored for their original use. He said since 2009 till date 54 static bunkers have been removed from private places in Srinagar city which has been greatly appreciated by everyone.
“We are of the firm belief, so are many others that democracy and development is best antidote to wean away the people from the influence of subversive and anti-national elements, as such, a step towards this has been taken by my government by devolving powers to the panchayats in order to fulfil the development aspirations of the people and instil a sense of participation in decision making process”, he said adding that incentives in the shape of honorarium to sarpanches and sitting fee to the panches have been provided.
Omar Abdullah said that the percentage of terrorist incidents decreased by 35 percent in the year 2012 as compared to 2011 and a significant decline in all types of causalities was registered in 2012. He said the year 2013 continues to show improvement in the security and law and order situation. “Our strategy on ground has been to deal firmly with militants and at the same time avoid any collateral damage”, he said and complemented all the security agencies deployed in the State for exercising restraint while dealing with law and order situation. He also paid tributes to the members of the security forces who have lost their lives in combating the terrorism. He also expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Omar Abdullah said that the favourable situation has been made possible at the result of effective steps taken by the counter insurgency grid comprising the Army, the Central para-military forces and the State police. “The cooperation of people with police and security forces and their desire for peace have strengthened the forces in combating militancy successfully”, he said and added that J&K Police is playing increasingly an active role in counter insurgency operations and is gradually taking over the responsibility of maintenance of law and order. “I hope in the years to come, the State Police would be in a position to take on the challenges on its own and reduce requirement of Central forces”, he said and also highlighted the role of security forces for strict surveillance on borders and neutralizing the terrorists. He also underlined the need for close coordination between various security agencies and J&K Police to maintain utmost vigil to thwart the attempts of infiltration and militancy related incidents.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Draft Jammu and Kashmir Police Bill 2013 and said that it has been uploaded on the official website of the Department for inviting suggestions from various sections of the society. He said various suggestions have been received and media has extensively commented on the various provisions of the Draft Bill and these are under process of examination.
On unemployment crisis, the Chief Minister said that his government was acutely aware of the problem of unemployment and consequent frustration among the youth. He said in order to tackle the problem his government apart from filling up the positions in all government departments, have been initiated measures to create self employment for them.
“A Skill Development Policy has been approved for implementation which has set an ambitious target of training and upgrading the skills of 9 lakh people during the 12th Five Year Plan period to enhance to their employability. Another step in the direction of addressing unemployment problem, is the implementation of Sher-i-Kashmir Welfare and Employment Programme for Youth (SKEWPY) which has initiated encouraging results”, he added and referred to ‘Himayat’ and ‘Udaan’ initiatives.
The Chief Minister said that under the Skill Development and Placement linked initiative Himayat as many as one lakh youth are targeted to be trained over a period of 5 years since the inception of the scheme in the State 2011. He said so far about 8000 candidates have been trained and 5060 have been offered job placements in various companies within and outside the State. He said 15000 youth are targeted to be trained and given placements during the current year. He said the Skill Development Initiative ‘Udaan’ aims at providing skills and employment to 8000 youth in each year in the next five year period in key sectors of economy.
Omar Abdullah said that another key initiative called ‘Umeed’ concerning the livelihood has been started on pilot basis in the State. He said under this initiative, 90000 women self-help groups are targeted to be provided with livelihood opportunities. The Government of India initiative under the ‘National Rural Livelihood Mission’ has also generated great expectations among the people and “We in the State are committed to take full advantage of this scheme”.
Omar Abdullah said that the State Government is extremely grateful to the Prime Minister and Union Government for launching these skill development initiatives in the State. He said the State Government is looking forward to the continue support of the Government of India in the successful implementation of these schemes.
Minister of State for Home, Sajid Ahmad Kichloo was also present in the conference.
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