Wednesday, February 15 2006 11:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Verinag (J-K): Vowing to steer the state towards development and prosperity, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said he would strive for the protection of lives and properties of innocent people in Jammu and Kashmir.

"I have given categorial instructions to security agencies that no harassment of innocents, no custodial deaths at any stage and no collateral damage in any circumstances to property should take place," Azad said addressing a rally here yesterday (Feb 15,2006).

However, no gun-wielding element would be allowed to rule the roost, harass people and take the society for granted in the state, the chief minister said.

Asserting that militancy has given nothning but destroyed the state at all levels, he said now time has come to work towards building a 'khushhal' (prosperous) and peaceful Jammu and Kashmir for which all developmental agencies have been mobilized.

Azad said he has also ordered for completion of all developmental works within a timeframe to help accrue benefits to the people early.

"Developmental agencies involved in execution of projects have been asked to work in two shifts from April next to ensure completion of schemes as per schedule and well within the timeframe. The next three years of the state have been declared to be years of development and creation of public infrastructure," he said.