J&K Guv addresses people ahead of I-Day, asks people to pay homage to great leaders

Addressing the people on the eve of 70th Independence Day, the Governor said in the past seventy years India has achieved notable development on many fronts and, today, 'we are the fastest growing among the large economies in the world'.

However, for the past many years now, Jammu and Kashmir's growth and progress has been retarded by the continuing programmes of protestations and agitations, calls for which are given by the separatist elements, said the Governor.

Besides the sad loss of lives, the recurring disturbances have adversely impacted tourism and all trade, business and economic activities in the state shut-downs and hartals have also resulted in disrupting the functioning of the governmental machinery and the public delivery systems, he said.

The governor said: "Other states are forging ahead on the path of growth and development and J&K must not continue to lag behind. I would yet again appeal to the leaders of all the mainstream political parties in the State to shed their differences and urgently join hands, forge an agreed approach and commence meaningful discussions with the leaders of all groups."

"The educational system has suffered irreparable damage on account of the recurring agitations. The repeated interruptions in the teaching and examination schedules of educational institutions have adversely affected the career prospects of our youth," he said.

"I have held many meetings with teachers and educational administrators and repeatedly appealed that all possible steps must be taken to see that arising problems are not allowed to affect the education of our children. It is unfortunate that parents, teachers and the civil society have not so far gathered the courage for protecting the educational system and saving our youth from getting embroiled in the agendas of the disruptive elements," he said.

He said, "If our State is to achieve peace and normalcy and embark on the path of progress and prosperity, the leaders of all political, social, cultural and religious organisations, the civil society and all other stakeholders in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions, must lose no more time in closing ranks and working together for restoring a positive environment in the State."

India will celebrate Independence Day on Tuesday.

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