Join CM for ushering in era of development in JK: Mehbooba

PDP President Mehbooba Mufti today appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to join the movement led by Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed for ushering in a new era of development in the state and invoked former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his positive moves on political reconciliation in J&K.
"When Mufti Saab took over the reins in 2002, J&K was just like a prison. During Vajpayee's rule, relations with Pakistan improved, talks with separatists began, Mughal Road was built, cross-LoC travel between Uri and Muzaffarabad was started and peace returned on borders," she said at a party function in Udhampur district.

She said it was Vajpayee who acceded to the Chief Minister's request in 2002 for starting people-to-people contact between divided families living on either side of the LoC and giving a new lease of life by constructing new roads and building infrastructure.
"It was during PDP rule between 2002 and 2005 when liberal financial assistance was provided for holistic development of the state," the MP from South Kashmir said.
Hailing the 'revolutionary' steps taken by the present government in a short span of six months in education and development sectors, Mehbooba Mufti said those who indulge in divisive politics see a threat in coming together of the people from all the three regions of the state.

She said the government has flagged unemployment as a major challenge and steps will be taken to overcome it by absorbing qualified students in the government as well as the private sector.