People have stakes in peace and normalcy: Gov

Srinagar: Governor, N. N. Vohra Monday said that people in Jammu and Kashmir have high stakes in peace and normalcy and stressed need for vast responsibility for measuring upto the challenge to secure the desired outcome.He emphasized that everything possible needs to be done to restore sustained peace as no meaningful development and progress was possible without an enabling environment. The Governor was addressing after inaugurating the 2-day Peace Conference organized by the J-K Peace Foundation at SKICC here this morning.He called upon intellectuals, academicians, social and political activists, media persons, all the stakeholders and the people at large to work towards reviving and promoting past glory of an abode of peace and tranquility in Jammu and Kashmir.The Governor said that Jammu and Kashmir, since centuries past, had remained the seat of learning where visitors from all parts of the world held philosophical debates and religious discourses in an environment which was deeply rooted in pluralistic thought and secularism. He added that there is an imperative need for everyone to ponder over the unfortunate happenings of the last over two decades and take every required step to reverse the trend to restore the shining glory of the State. He said that the State has suffered enormous human and economic losses.Referring to the people’s urge for strengthening democratic institutions and their commitment for peace and democracy, the Governor said that the massive turnout of voters in the Assembly elections of 2008, Parliamentary polls of 2009 and the ongoing Panchayat elections, was a pointer towards the fact that they are committed to the democratic process and are strong stakeholders in establishing peace and fostering development.The Governor, while referring to the situation during the last three summers in the Kashmir Valley, observed that not only tourism and other important sectors which are the mainstay of the State’s economy suffered a serious setback, but the process of development and implementation of welfare schemes was hit badly. Vohra said that, above all, the disruption in educational schedules very adversely affected the careers of students, many of whom were at the competitive stage and lost a full year.Earlier, the Governor lit the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the Conference.Dr. Ahmad Saleem Al-Wahishi, Ambassador of Arab League, in his Presidential address, thanked the Jammu and Kashmir Peace Foundation for inviting him to the Conference. He added that Kashmir is one of the most beautiful places and among the choicest tourist destinations in the world. He observed that in this age of globalization, peace, tranquility and brotherhood have acquired an added significance.