Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday made a fresh appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to help the government in restoring normalcy and said he will fight politically and administratively forces hell bent on disturbing peace.
"It is unfortunate that certain elements are hell bent upon disturbing the peace and quiet and causing discomfort to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. My government and I will fight these forces politically and administratively and shall not let their nefarious designs succeed," Omar said in a statement in Srinagar.
In a bid to cool tempers of the people, he talked about resolution of the Kashmir issue saying, "We should jointly work in finding a solution to the Kashmir imbroglio and facilitate a dialogue between India and Pakistan as well as a dialogue between the Centre and various shades of opinion in the state. We must work together to find a solution which can lead to lasting peace in Jammu & Kashmir as per the aspirations of the people."
Renewing his appeal to the people, he said, "People of Kashmir are a part of my flesh and blood and I appeal to all of them to rise above political affiliations and ideologies, come together and work with us to ensure that order and peace are restored in the troubled parts of the valley."
About National Conference's demand for restoration of greater autonomy to the state, he said, "The party I belong to is for autonomy, but I have time and again reiterated that while we have put a proposal of autonomy before different foras, we are not averse to move beyond it, if there is a solution other than autonomy that is acceptable to both India and Pakistan and meets the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir."
Omar said aspirations of the people cannot be assuaged only by development, good governance and economic packages and there is a need to address political aspects of the problem as well. He promised to the youths that their problems will be addressed "to the best of our collective abilities.
"This is not just a personal commitment but a pledge that I am making." About the elements who, according to him, were fomenting trouble, Omar said, "To the perpetrators, instigators and facilitators of violence and disorder and to those who are indulging in petty political machinations to disturb peace, my message is clear that my government and I will not only expose them but also deal with them sternly.
"My government will not allow anybody to disturb the peace in Jammu and Kashmir. We have lost 20 years and a complete generation has grown under the shadow of the gun and we cannot allow it to go on.
