Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti this evening hosted around 200 orphan girls for Iftaar at the heritage site - Zero Bridge on River Jhelum here.While interacting with the girls, the Chief Minister asked them to study well and achieve something great in life. "I am really honored to be a part of this special occasion this evening. Nothing is more fulfilling for me than sharing Iftaar with these beautiful children who have been deprived of the love and care of their parents,” she said and added that her Government will ensure a safe and secure environment for orphan girls to enable them become successful and high achieving young women.The Chief Minister called for a collective effort to support alleviate the suffering and emotional distress of orphans and assist them in making a mark in their lives. She said education is one of the prime tools to break the vicious circle of impoverishment and it is imperative to invest more in education to make these girls self-reliant. “Our objective should be to make available same educational and other facilities to these girls, as children in more fortunate circumstances get,” she said and added that such children need to be ensured the emotional stability to help them overcome their challenges, focus on their studies, enhance their skills and build a sense of belonging.
Ms Mehbooba said unfortunately, the more than two decades long turmoil in the State has not only resulted in colossal death and destruction but has left behind a trail of tragedies which includes hundreds of orphans and destitute. “I urge all the conscientious citizens of the State to work towards stabilization of peace efforts and help the Government usher J&K into an optimistic era of prosperity and emotional healing for the sufferers of violence,” she said.Special arrangements were also made for the invitees to offer Maghrib prayers. The participants prayed for the peace and prosperity of the State and its people.Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Asiea Naqash, Chairperson State Commission for Women, Mrs Nayeema Ahmad Mehjoor, Legislators, Rani Gargi Bloeria, Shahnaz Ganai and Anjum Fazili, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr Naveen Kumar Choudhary, Secretary Tourism, Mr Farooq Ahmad Shah, DC Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Lone, SSP Srinagar, Mr Amit Kumar, SP East, Faisal Qayoom, Principal, Institute of Hotel Management Rajbagh, Mr Nisheet Srivastava and TV Journalist Barkha Dutt were also present.