Separatists real enemies of the people, says Jammu and Kashmir minister

Terming separatists as "real enemies of the people", a Jammu and Kashmir minister today accused them of trying to gain political mileage from human tragedies and disturbing peace in the state.

"Parties which are trying to gain political mileage from various human tragedies and trying to disturb the peace in the state are the real enemies of the people," rural development minister AM Sagar said, referring to the frequent strikes called by the separatists recently.

On government's stand on zero tolerance on human rights violations, Sagar said that chief minister Omar Abdullah has
personally seen to it that people responsible for violence are
not spared.

Omar had yesterday blamed disruptive elements for instigating innocent youth to attack security forces leading to loss of lives.

Hitting out at the separatists, Omar had said some "elements are instigating the youth to shed their blood to satiate their vested interests while their own children are living a luxurious life in and outside the country".

On growing unemployment in the state, Sagar said the SK Welfare Employment Package has been announced, under which interest free and soft loans would be provided to prospective entrepreneurs, besides giving stipends.

An amount of Rs 561 crore has also been earmarked by the Union Government for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), he added.