Valley unrest: Omar 'trying to make up for losses'

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said his government is concentrating on making up for losses suffered on the development front during recent unrest in the Valley.

"Our focus is on making good of the losses incurred on development front due to unpleasant law and order situation in parts of the Valley," the chief minister said interacting with scores of delegations at an 'Awaami Mulaqat' (meeting people) in Srinagar.

Omar said a massive development programme has been launched across the state to reach out to every area for equitable development.

The administration has been sensitised to redouble its efforts in realising the targets and ensuring benefits to the people, he said.

The CM said besides upgrading facilities in the five sectors of health, education, communication, water supply and power development, yet another initiative has been taken in the employment sector.

"A scheme to engage 50,000 youth in various government and semi-government organizations has been initiated and the orbit of Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth expanded to bring more unemployed persons under its purview," he added.

Omar, however, said peace was imperative for all kinds of economic activities and sustained development.

He said the efforts initiated by the government to enhance employability of youth and ensure their jobs in the private sector received a setback in Kashmir due to the law and order situation.

"Many programmes launched by the private investors have come to a standstill. We are endeavouring to persuade these houses to re-start their projects," he said.

Omar sought people's cooperation, especially from the youth, in his efforts to lead the state towards progress and political stability.