Rajnath appeals to parties to take part in panchayat poll

Tribune News Service
Srinagar, October 23

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said there had been a decline in the stone-throwing incidents and recruitment of militants during the past four months while several initiatives were being taken for the employment of youth in J&K. He also appealed to all political parties to participate in the panchayat elections.

The Home Minister stated this after reviewing the security situation and developmental projects at a meeting held in the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here today. Addressing a press conference at Nehru Guest House before returning to New Delhi this evening, the Home Minister said the Central and state governments were moving towards overall development of J&K.

Rajnath said the recent civic elections were held in a fair and transparent manner and the state was making adequate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the panchayat elections beginning on November 17.

The Home Minister said he had appealed to all political parties to participate in the panchayat elections for the overall development at the grass-roots level. He met five delegations, including those from major parties such as the National Conference, PDP, Congress, and the BJP. The delegations conveyed their stand on various issues, including the security scenario and civic elections in the state. “I appealed to all parties to participate in the panchayat elections… and those who are not participating in the democratic process are not doing any service to the people,” he commented.

On welfare initiatives, the Home Minister said a scheme to provide employment to more than 2.5 lakh youth was under process and the Home Ministry was also providing jobs to nearly 11,000 unemployed persons.

Initiatives discussed: Rs 350 cr for Dal, jobs for youth   

• To check rampant corruption, the J&K Government has taken an action plan, which will be announced soon 
• Rs 350 cr approved for development of Dal Lake in Srinagar
• A scheme to provide jobs to more than 2.5 lakh youth is under process
• A detailed project report is being made for roads in border areas of Kargil, Drass, Machchil, Keran, Tangdhar and Gurez

‘Talks, terror can't go together’  

On talks with Pakistan, Rajnath Singh said: "Our Government is making all efforts to improve the situation in the state. We are not hesitating over talks, but talks and terrorism (sponsored by Pakistan) cannot go together"

Rs 5 lakh for kin of Kulgam vcitims 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the civilian killings in the explosion after an encounter in Kulgam were "unfortunate". "We are pained …I express my heartfelt condolences to the (bereaved) families," he said. The Home Minister also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased