Near LoC, CM appeals for end to border hostilities

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, September 19

Appealing for peace between India and Pakistan, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today sought an end to hostilities between the two countries on the borders, saying it is the people of the state who suffer the brunt of these skirmishes.

Addressing a public meeting at the border town of Tangdhar in Kupwara district of north Kashmir today, the Chief Minister appealed to the leadership of both countries to work towards maintaining peace on the borders.

She said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been the worst victims of this hostility, which had led to the killing of people, dislocations and damages to the property on both sides. Mehbooba said peace in the state and between the two South Asian neighbours held the key to the progress and development in the region.

She said it was unfortunate that when people should have been demanding facilities such as schools, hospitals, playfields and hospitals, they were forced to seek the construction of bunkers to save themselves from firepower. It was a point to ponder what the people had achieved from the hostility of 70 years, she added.

Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation of several developmental projects here today. The Rs 68-crore welfare projects included the 15- km road from Tanghdar to Gabra and the 9.5-km road from Dhani to Taad. She also kick-started the work on developing model villages at Gabra, Hajitara and Taad.