Newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Sunday called for a peaceful dialogue in order to end the violence in the Valley, adding that bullets would never help the state achieve freedom from strife.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken note of the innocents dying in the state. Those who were involved in fake encounter have been put to task. We won’t achieve peace via the grenade or the bullet; we can solve issues only through dialogue,” Sayeed said at a press conference, following his oath taking ceremony.
Describing the major challenges that face his government, Sayeed identified unemployment, transportation and the underdeveloped tourism industry as areas to improve upon.
“Unemployment is the main challenge in the state. We also have issues of connectivity and the underdevelopment of tourism. I think Jammu and Kashmir needs more five-star hotels in order to promote it as an independent tourist destination,” he said.
However, Sayeed dodged any questions posed on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
“We are not disappointed with the AFSPA not being repealed. The repealing of the AFSPA is not the main issue. We feel that political alliance is a prerequisite for governance,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Sayeed took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir for the second time in his political career.
BJP leader Nirmal Singh also took oath as the state’s deputy chief minister.
They were administered the oath of office by Governor NN Vohra at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu University.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and party veteran L K Advani were among those who attended the ceremony. (ANI)