J-K to be militancy-free state: Minister

The Jammu and Kashmir government would ensure that peace and prosperity was restored and that militancy gets completely eliminated from the state, a senior minister said today.
"PDP-BJP coalition government was working under a well-knit strategy to ensure peace, progress, prosperity and militancy-free state," state minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Bali Bhagat here said.
He said the people of Kashmir and Jammu regions have given their verdict for a change, and on the basis of people's wishes the coalition came into being, adding that the government will make its utmost efforts to come up to the expectations of the people.

He also said the government was contemplating to promote forest-based industry in the state to generate revenue and create job opportunities for unemployed youth.
Maintaining that the state has rich potential of forest minor produces like rare herbs, mushrooms and herbs of medicinal value which have great demand in the market, the minister said the government will explore all possibilities to promote these in an organised manner.
He said the government will give focused attention on strengthening the essential sectors like, education, road connectivity, health services, employment, drinking water and electricity which are closely connected with the common masses.