Meeting on 'Sainik Colony' started under Omar: Mehbooba

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said the first meeting for establishing a 'Sainik Colony' in the state was held when National Conference working president Omar Abdullah was in power and claimed he had given direction for identifying land for the purpose.
"This (the discussion on Sainik Colony) was started when first such meeting took place when Omar was in power. The demand was that a colony be established for the state subject ex-servicemen. He gave a direction that time for identifying the land. Since then, there has been no decision on this," she said here.
She was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a bookshop-cum-coffee shop at Nehru Park in the middle of the famous Dal Lake here.

She said the last meeting on the issue was held by Governor N N Vohra but no decision for the allotment of the land has been taken so far.
"The last meeting happened under Governor. I did not attend the meeting as I was not feeling well that day. He decided that since the land is not available in Srinagar, Army should be asked to identify land. But no decision about allotment was taken. This is the reality," she said.
Mehbooba appealed to the people not to pay heed to "rumours" and call her directly if they have any doubts.

"I appeal you not to pay heed to rumours, be on Facebook or in newspapers, do not pay any heed to them. If you have any doubts, call me directly and ask if that is right or wrong. I never tell a lie, neither did my father nor anyone in my party if he loves the PDP," she said.

She also said "misunderstandings" are being spread on the issue of NEET.
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Mehbooba expressed the hope that the separatists would also respond positively to the fresh initiative to end the decades-old political uncertainty in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the all- party delegation to reach out to various shades of political opinion in Jammu and Kashmir and added that it depicts the true essence of India's vibrant democracy.

Mehbooba said a serious and sustained effort is required at various levels to resolve the problem and ensure peace and stability in the state and the region.
"It (Kashmir issue) is an complex problem and a chief minister or a prime minister can't overnight come up with a solution to this multi-dimensional challenge," she said.
Mehbooba said, "What is required is a serious, concerted and inclusive effort at diplomatic and political levels through an institutionalized mechanism to resolve the issue."
She said that violence is no solution to any problem, rather reposing faith in the dialogue process is the only way out to address the issues.

She said that governance and political process should go hand in hand to overcome the tough times.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their age, gender, status or the political affiliation, have been suffering the disastrous consequences of the turmoil and unrest and they have to be retrieved from this blood-spattered quagmire, sooner the better," she said and added that the onus lies on all the stakeholders.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the present government, based on its Agenda of Alliance, is working on a comprehensive developmental road map to ensure equitable development of all the three regions of the state.

She added that various projects that were left in limbo have now seen the light of the day.
She said that it is the state government's vision of developing Jammu as an independent tourist destination and bringing the state on the world map as the top tourist destination.
She said that the Government is committed to enhance the job avenues for the youth and increase employability.
She also appreciated the people of Kashmir for their cooperation in the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yartra showing the cultural essence of Kashmiriyat.