The Hindu : National : Speedy relief measures for J&K sought

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Sunday, Jun 20, 2004

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National

Speedy relief measures for J&K sought

By Our Staff Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JUNE 19. The Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma, has urged the Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil, to speed up relief measures for the strife-torn State to provide a "healing touch" to the people.

Heading a delegation, Mr. Sharma met the Home Minister here on Friday and apprised him of the situation in the State and said that there had been a tremendous change in the mindset of the people.

In a short span, the coalition Government had been able to bring peace and normality to the valley, he said.

Describing tourism as the backbone of the economy, Mr. Sharma said there was a huge rush of tourists to the valley, including foreigners, which was an indication of the changing scenario.He sought rehabilitation of the people living in the border areas, recruitment of the youth in Central security forces, lifting of the ban on recruitment and package of facilities to the Amarnath pilgrims and extension of the pilgrimage period by one month.

Mr. Patil also met another delegation from the State led by the Assembly Speaker, Tara Chand, who demanded security for and rehabilitation of the migrants from the border area.

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