Highlighted Kashmir issue on all forum: Omar

Addressing the Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium here under three tier security this morning he said that 2008 Assembly elections were fought on local issues of development.

"We told the people of the state that we will focus on upgradation and improvement of basic amenities particularly in the sectors of Sadak, Pani, Bijli, Taleem and Sehat", he said and added that he advocated vehemently resolution of K-issue at all important forums.

The Chief Minister said that he also advocated revocation of AFSPA time and again as there has been 80 percent decrease in the
militancy related incidents during the last five and a half years.

"I am being criticized as to why I repeatedly stress on gradual revocation of AFSPA when it is not being agreed to. You should know
Moon was not conquered in one attempt and Everest not dominated in one go", he said and maintained that he would continue to work in this
direction till those who are bringing hurdle in this case understand the importance of its gradual revocation.

Omar Abdullah said that some are pressing the people in Kashmir to boycott Election and not to vote. "I ask them what has changed by your this philosophy for last 25 years. People in Jammu and in Ladakh exercise their power of vote with full capacity. What people of Kashmir have achieved by not exercising the right of vote in great numbers," he said and asked the people to vote in great numbers for peace, development and prosperity of the State.

The Chief Minister said that wrong impression is being circulated through media that there is a large number of people in prisons. He rejected this impression and said that not more than 100 people are in prisons at present. "You can visit the prisons in the State along with camera person and ascertain the fact," he asserted.

The Chief Minister said that with the improvement in peace situation the number of tourists visiting the State has increased year after year. He said during the period from 2003-2008 24 lakh visitors visited Kashmir as against 50 lakhs during the period from 2008-2014 so far which is likely to goes up to 55 lakhs by the end of the year.

He said attention has been paid to upgrade tourist facilities at Jammu as also places of tourist attraction. He mentioned the projects of Gandola, Artificial Lake and Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex under execution.

The Chief Minister said that return of migrant Kashmiri Pundits to their native land has been his cherished desire and he his government worked with the Union Government to provide a befitting economic package to Kashmiri Pundits. He said his government has given new proposal to the Union Government for enhancing economic package for Kashmiri Pundits. He expressed the hope that the new government at the Centre would take early necessary action in this regard.

(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)