Srinagar, May 21 : Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Education and Health, Sakina Itoo, on Thursday made a strong pitch for the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan, asserting that talks were the only way to heal the wounds of the people and resolve issues in the Union Territory.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Sakina Itoo said, “Discussions solve problems. Jammu and Kashmir is a very sensitive place where people have seen a lot of difficulties and bloodshed. Graveyards are still filled with corpses, houses have been destroyed, [and] mothers have lost their sons.”
The National Conference (NC) senior leader said her party has historically advocated a dialogue-based approach to address core disputes between the two neighbours. She added that empty slogans had never been the solution.
“If there is a solution to the J&K cause, it should be a discussion. We have never given empty slogans. We have talked about the healing touch. We have always spoken for the people here. For us, J&K’s identity is the most important thing,” she said.
On the administrative front, Minister Itoo took a strong stand against officials overstaying in their postings, announcing that officers posted in one place for more than three years will be transferred.
The minister said the department had already initiated a major rationalisation drive. “Any officer — be it a BMO or CMO — keeping them in one place for a long time is not a good thing. Those who have been in office for more than three years will be shifted. Change is for the better,” she asserted.
She added, “In a few days, you will see that our CEOs will also be posted. The department is already working on this.” (KNS)
