Rehan Showkat
Srinagar: Governor Satya Pal Malik on Saturday termed as welcome the statement of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressing readiness for talks, underling that “temperatures have improved a lot and are far below” since he took over the reins of the state.
“I feel happy that temperature when I came here is far below it. Today the Hurriyat, which once did not open door to Ram Vilas Paswan (presently a Cabinet Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution) who was standing at their door, are now talking about talks. There is lot of change everywhere. New recruitment in militant ranks is almost zero and there is no stone pelting after Friday prayers,” he said while addressing a function organized by Doordarshan Kendra Kashmir.
“We feel pained when a youth is killed but if bullet is fired, nobody will be provided flower bouquet. If we function sincerely, youth will not be swayed and misled that if you die you will get Jannat (paradise). As Jahangir said, if there is paradise on earth it is here in Kashmir and a Muslim will get Jannat if he becomes a good Muslim. You have your own constitution and flag. My vehicle has two flags and one is state flag and tricolor,” he said, according to GNS.
The Governor said that the problem of Kashmir is younger generation and “there is a need to solve their displeasure.”
“There are 22000 students from Kashmir who study outside and when there is some issue, we have appointed a liaison officers so that the student is not made to go to the police station.”
Governor also expressed his happiness that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq spoke against drug menace and urged all to come up forward and play their role to completely limit the menace.
“There is need for Doordarshan and other media to work to completely curb the menace,” he said.
Governor also congratulated the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for taking the initiative of reaching out to the people through Free Dish receivers.
Governor observed that the today’s event marks a significant milestone for making a head start towards achieving the goal of reaching out to the people living in the far flung and border areas through the platform of DD Free Dish. He said that through these set top boxes, authentic information will be disseminated to the border residents where connectivity has always remained an issue.
Governor observed that Doordarshan has truly lived up to the responsibility bestowed upon it and the Kendra at Srinagar has been performing its duties despite many challenges. It is playing an important role by representing the local culture through its programmes and reaching the people with unbiased information, he added.
Governor noted that DD Kashir has become popular in the state because of its good content and adding programmes in Dogri and Ladakhi languages will strengthen the composite culture of the state.
Underscoring the importance of public outreach, Governor appreciated the officers of the State Administration for reaching out to the rural population through the “Back to Village” programme. (GNS)
