Jammu, June 15 : Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti Wednesday emphasized the need for reviving Jammu and Kashmir as an abode of peace, amity, communal harmony and brotherhood. She cautioned people against falling prey to the scourge of extremism and communalism, “which, if perpetuated, will only bring miseries to the people and devour the State's socio-economic fabric.”
“I urge upon the people, especially the youth, to come forward and contribute towards consolidating the peace and reconciliation efforts in the state,” the Chief Minister said while addressing a function organised in connection with the inauguration of the New Examination Block at Jammu University.
“I hope the emancipated people of Jammu would continue to uphold the greatest traditions of amity and communal harmony, which they have practised over the years,” she said and added that due credit must be given to the people of Jammu for warmly welcoming the migrants including Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims and Sikhs when turmoil erupted in Kashmir in early 90's.
Appreciating the people of Jammu for fostering the secular ethos and bonds of amity, the Chief Minister said that Jammu has always been a symbol of brotherhood where the people of all regions and religions have been welcomed with open arms. “I hope the people of Jammu would continue to uphold the same values of communal harmony and don't fall prey to the machinations of some vested interests who are hell bent upon disturbing peace and tranquillity in the region,” Ms Mehbooba said and added that while militancy devoured Kashmir's social, cultural and economic fabric, the scourge of communalism has the potential of doing same in Jammu.
Ms Mehbooba said J&K is facing varied problems and students can play a vital role in defeating the nefarious designs of the elements who try to disrupt the peace and tranquility in the state. Hailing Jammu University for launching various initiatives to further academic excellence, the Chief Minister, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the University, said the government wants the Universities to work independently and it was with this objective in mind that the Government has given full financial autonomy to the state's varsities.
The Chief Minister said the educational institutions are the nurseries where the seeds of future are nurtured and the universities being seats of knowledge should aim at fostering new ideas among the students and channelize their energies in a positive direction. She said the universities should emerge as hub of new ideas where a vision for future is sown and nurtured.
