Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Ch. Zulfkar Ali today convened a meeting of members of civil society Rajouri and sought cooperation of all sections of the society for maintaining peace and tranquility in the area. Applauding the role of civil society in maintaining placidity in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, the Minister said that this region has always exhibited best example of communal harmony and mutual brotherhood. "Whatever situation prevailed, we proved our kinship and lived in harmony. We always kept the threads of harmony intact and it is hoped that in future too we will continue to do so”, he observed.MLA Rajouri, Qammer Hussain, Deputy Commissioner, Shabir Ahmed Batt DIG Police Rajouri-Poonch range, Johny Williams, SSP Rajeshwar Singh, beside prominent citizens and the religious heads were present in the meeting.The Minister expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the valley and hoped that peace will prevail in the state very soon, saying that the Government is making all out efforts in this direction.“In the ongoing unrest in Valley, we have lost so many precious lives including civilians and security personnel, and we don't want any more causality” he added.
The Minister said that both Centre and State governments are abreast with the problems of people and concrete steps are being taken to address their genuine issues. Asserting that steps are afoot to restore lasting peace in the state, he said the present coalition government is committed to put the state on the fast track development. A positive change is visible on the ground, but some vested forces are not digesting the same and are trying to create problem by spreading the unrest. He urged the people to isolate such anti-people forces which are working overtime to disturb the peace and tranquility of the State.Describing the prevailing unrest in the valley as litmus test for the people of state, the Minister said it is the time for all to rise to the occasion and fight back the divisive forces as has been done in the past.“The state has passed through many tough times. The people of the state have been subjected to many tests in the shape of wars and militancy of nineties or the turbulence of 2008 and 2010 but people here have always proved that they are one” he said adding that “we should never allow the divisive forces to succeed in their nefarious designs by maintaining the spirit of communal harmony.”The Minister exhorted upon all the participants with special emphasis on the religious heads to come forward and a play their role to protect the social fabric of the state.