Separatists should have put across an implementable roadmap for resolution of Kashmir issue instead of shying away from meeting the all-party delegation and being "caught in darkness", Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has said.
She also voiced hope that the Centre will initiate an inclusive engagement through an institutionalized mechanism to address the Kashmir issue and the separatists will respond positively to it.
"Instead of being caught in darkness, the separatists should have met the members of the all-party delegation and put across an implementable roadmap for the resolution of the (Kashmir) issue," the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister was quoted as saying at a function here yesterday.
She said "by shying away from talks, a message has gone around that the separatists are not interested in ending the people's miseries by coming forward for peaceful resolution of the issue", according to an official statement.
"We hope a fresh and productive effort would be made by the country's political leadership to reach out to all the stakeholders in the state to address the issue through inclusive and comprehensive engagement," she said.
Separatist leaders had refused to meet some of the MPs of the all-party delegation who had reached out to them during its visit the state on September 4-5.
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Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said the government would take all necessary measures to provide facilities of recreation and adventure to children and youth.
Addressing a gathering here after inaugurating a Water Sports festival, the Chief Minister said she earnestly desires to see the innocent smile back on the face of every child in the state like in any other civilized society.
She said that her government was taking necessary steps in this regard.
The chief minister expressed hope that such events and festivals would not only boost the confidence and morale of the state's young generation but also groom out of them responsible citizens of future.
She said the youth of the state have made us proud time and again and there was a need to channelize their energies in the positive direction.
On the occasion, Mehbooba announced setting up of a Water Sports Training School at Srinagar.
She hoped that with the setting up of the school, the adventure and sports qualities among the youth would be further polished and honed.
She directed involving the children of Dal and Nigeen areas while imparting training in water sports.
On the occasion, the chief minister also felicitated many young boys and girls who had performed well at the sports festivals.
At another function after laying foundation stone of the corporate office of J-K Cable Car Corporation here this afternoon, the chief minister asked the people to rise and guard the interests of the state.
She said the residents of the state have to show the way to peace, development and prosperity.
"The people of the state have to create an atmosphere which can lead to friendship, amity and goodwill between the two neighbouring countries.
"It is only a peaceful atmosphere which can pave the way for betterment of relations, resolution of issues and frequent interactions across the borders," she said.
Terming tourism as a means of integrating people, Mehbooba said she plans to make Srinagar a tourist destination itself rather than a transit point for tourists, as presently it is.
She said many tourist development projects have been taken up in the city which include development of old city as a heritage destination, development of water transport across the city, introducing para-gliding facilities at Harwan and many other facilities.
The Chief Minister said she has plans of making a large park at Tattoo Ground, and many other parks in the city to decongest it and provide a recreational space to its inhabitants.
She, however, regretted that the government could not get much time this year to translate these plans into concrete action, and made an appeal to the people to help in maintaining peace so that the developmental activities aimed at their welfare were completed.
