Farooq blames India, Pak for J&K mess
M SALEEM PANDIT
TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2002 9:24:23 PM ]
SRINAGAR: Both India and Pakistan are responsible for the economic deprivation of Jammu and Kashmir. While the Centre has developed a mistrust in Kashmiri people, Pakistan never had any consideration for them.
This was stated by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah during the inauguration of a four-day international exhibition and business summit on Thursday. Defence Minister George Fernandes was the chief guest at the function.
Pakistan was only interested in the land, not the welfare of the Kashmiri people, said Farooq. This was why it is pushing al-Qaeda and other foreign militants into the state.
On the other hand, not giving the Srinagar airport the status of an international airport, when six others were, reflected the Centre’s apathy.
He also pointed out that the nationalised banks were closed when militancy started in the state. Also the represention of Kashmiri Muslims in these banks is abysmally low. Responding to Farooq’s observations, Fernandes said the Centre would do the needful.
Fernandes also welcomed the Hurriyat’s new proposal to visit Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to discuss the modalities of a ceasefire with the militants. It is a good idea that has many facets, said Fernandes, and it can be discussed with the Hurriyat leaders.
The chief minister also lashed out at the bureaucracy for discouraging big industrialists to invest in Jammu and Kashmir. He said without outside investment, the development of the state would be a difficult task. Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for External Affairs Omar Abdullah, too, hoped that industrialists would make investments to help the state, which is currently reeling under acute financial crisis. He said this would also provide more opportunities to the youth.
Corps commander Lt Gen V G Patankar highlighted the programmes undertaken by the Army in the Valley.
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