J&K Guv urges state leaders for dialogue, praises security forces

On Independence Day today, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra asserted that only dialogue and discussion can pull the state out of "fear, distrust and growing cynicism" that have impeded its economic development.

In his address at Sher-e-Kashmir stadium in Srinagar, he also announced that the long-delayed panchayat elections and polls to urban local bodies will be held between September and December.

Vohra said confrontation will not help in resolving the issues facing the state, and urged political leaders and those helming socio-cultural and religious organisations to think about what has been gained from the "endless turmoil".

The governor, who took over the administration in the state after the fall of the PDP-BJP alliance government in June, urged political leaders to also think about human and economic losses and the trouble endured by people for decades.

"To pull the state out of the prevailing environment of suspicion, fear, distrust and growing cynicism, it is crucial that all stakeholders - whatever their political convictions or religious ideologies - close ranks and muster courage to accept that our problems can be resolved only through dialogue and discussion," he said.

"And by sustained efforts towards promoting reconciliation and communal harmony."