New Delhi, December 23
In the backdrop of an escalation in violence in Jammu and Kashmir, state Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed today met Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and called for an early resumption of dialogue with the elected representatives of the people.
After the 30-minute meeting with the Prime Minister, he said he had raised the issue of initiation of dialogue and creating consensus for solving the Kashmir problem.
Mr Sayeed said the Prime Minister had made the promise from the Red Fort on Independence Day this year of holding talks with elected representatives of the people.
Mr Sayeed told the Prime Minister that his government was planning to float developmental bonds, which would have tax exemption, to mop up Rs 2,700 crore.
Mr Sayeed sought the intervention of Mr Vajpayee in making a special employment package for the youth.
The Chief Minister also requested the Prime Minister to expand the employment opportunities in government-run public sector units.
He offered to extend support to the Centre’s initiative in completing Railway projects in the state by 2007.
Besides asking for a special package in tourism and other industrial sectors, Mr Sayeed sought Mr Vajpayee’s help in funding the Bagliyar Power project.
Mr Sayeed apprised Mr Vajpayee of setting up information technology facilities in all blocks in the state. The Planning Commission had earmarked Rs 65 lakh for this project.
The Centre had assured to start mobile phone services in the state by April next year and in the first phase, Srinagar and Jammu cities would be put on the cellular map.
