Come forward to resolve Kashmir issue: Vohra

He expressed hope that New Delhi’s ongoing initiatives to discuss with Islamabad the entire range of issues between the two countries would lead to a positive outcome in the course of time.

The Governor said the liberal democratic framework of the country provides ample space for the expression of contrary and divergent views without there being any need for resorting to strikes and agitations which cause severe losses on so many fronts.

“The growth and development of Jammu and Kashmir has been affected by the difficult situations which have been faced in the past years and to make up for the lost opportunities,the political leadership of the State and the people shall need to work very hard,” he said.

The Governor said the disturbances in the preceding three summers contributed to enormous human and economic losses and irreparable disruption of the educational schedules.

“The people are yearning for peace and the environment of normalcy,which has prevailed this year,has been a most welcome development,” he said,adding,in the past seven months the Valley has attracted a large number of tourists from within the country and abroad.

“Thanks to the concerted efforts of the security forces,there has been a progressive decline in the number of terrorist-related incidents in the past three years. However,we cannot let down our guard as the adversary agencies operating from across the borders remain committed to perpetrating terrorist and subversive activities in the State,” Vohra said.

Saluting the brave officers and men of the security forces who have laid down their lives in the continuing battle against terrorism,the Governor expressed hoped that while carrying out their operations,the security forces shall ensure against any violation of the rights and liberties of the people.

Referring to the recently concluded Panchayat elections,Vohra said the massive participation of the people in these polls has yet again demonstrated that the people of the State have a deep commitment to democracy.

He said the elections to the Urban Local Bodies,alongside the emergence and empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions,will lead to the establishment of grass root democracy and boost the entire development process in the State.

The Governor wished Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and all members of his council of ministers success in their continuing endeavours to achieve the speedy development of the state.