SRINGAR: A major economic package and beefing up of central forces in the Kashmir valley were decided upon when federal home minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed visited her on Feb 15.
The economic package formulated in the meeting related to special recruitment of 5,000 boys from the state for the border security force (a paramilitary organization for border surveillance), relaxation in educational qualifications from matriculation to eighth standard, and four years relaxation in the upper age limit,
The package also includes launching of employment generation schemes, construction of roads and bridges, establishment of food based industry silk and cocoon units, extension of telephones and setting up of the public sector HMT’s industrial units.
The meeting also decided to modify the scheme for right to work in relation to Jammu and Kashmir proper and equitable development of Ladakh and Jammu regions, acceleration of work on construction of Mughal road linking the valley with Jammu.
The state government will take immediate steps to tackle the pending work in extending the existing power distribution system and repairing the damaged lines.
The meeting also decided to introduce a helicopter service to Kargil and a scheme for drought welfare and to take up the Dal Lake development scheme.
It was also decided at the meeting that no innocent person should be harassed,
Talking to newsmen after the meeting, the Mufti accused Pakistan or provoking violence in Kashmir and ruled out any dialogue or discussion with the militants.
“You have to face this as there cannot be any compromise on the unity and integrity of the country,” he added.
This is the first visit of the home minister to the state after assuming office about two months back.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 23, 1990
