New Delhi, December 12
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed has called for institutionalising a mutually beneficial relationship between the Centre and the state in a “truly federal spirit” and has urged the Union Government not to treat Jammu and Kashmir in the same way as other states, considering the unusual circumstances prevailing there.

“I have had a hard talk with Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and urged him not treat Jammu and Kashmir in the same way as other states”, Mr Sayeed said while speaking at a session on “Kashmir — a new ray of hope” organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) here.

“This arrangement must be holistic and all encompassing, and must include the political, social and economic spheres. We need to open up Kashmir and its economy to the rest of the world”, the Chief Minister told captains of the industry.

Urging the industry to invest substantially in the state, he termed investment in Kashmir as “investment in peace”.

Lauding the federal structure of the country, he advocated that all states should have economic independence for the upliftment of the people.

“The federal structure of the country is the best, but I also favour that all states should have independence to lift the standard of living of their people by better economic facilities,” he said, adding that the state governments should be given the freedom to invite foreign investment.

The Chief Minister said recently US Ambassador Robert Blackwill had gone to the state and had offered cooperation in various fields. “I told him that his proposals will be discussed with the Centre,” Mr Sayeed said.

“I was encouraged by the remarks made by the US Ambassador on his last visit to Jammu and Kashmir a fortnight ago in which he promised assistance from his country for the economic development of the state”, Mr Sayeed said.

The Chief Minister identified the power sector as a major area, with the potential of 20,000 MW of hydel power yet to be tapped.

“I must inform you that the sector is up for investment by the private sector with sufficient incentives”, he said.

“My government will make an effort to create a conducive atmosphere and conditions for your investment,” Mr Sayeed said.

The state government has identified horticulture as another potential growth area. “ The state has already taken up the construction of three food parks with the assistance of the Centre at Srinagar, Sopore and Jammu. These parks can act as launching pads for the food processing industry”, he said.