Date:01/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/01/stories/2008010160222000.htm

National

Our focus is on basic amenities, says Azad

Luv Puri

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday described 2007 as the year of massive infrastructure development in the State.

In a New Year message, he said basic amenities such as road connectivity, drinking water, schools, hospitals and power remained the thrust areas, benefiting large sections of people, especially those in remote pockets. He said 2007 saw a new work culture, resulting in timely completion of important projects.

On the security front, he said violence remained the lowest ever in comparison to the past two decades. There was improvement in the human rights situation compared to previous years.

Mr. Azad said that but for the internal situation in Pakistan, the peace process could have been taken further during the past year.

He expressed the hope that the situation in that country would improve and the threads of dialogue picked up soon.

The Chief Minister said his government would focus on consolidating the gains of reconciliation process in the State and work towards the realisation of the goal of complete peace and prosperity.