Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir health and medical education minister Mangat Ram Sharma today said the upcoming Assembly election would be a historic opportunity for establishing lasting peace and tranquility in the state.

"The 2002 election was a turning point in the history of Jammu and Kashmir and the forthcoming Assembly polls would be historic as it would open new vistas of development," Sharma said while addressing a public gathering at Pulwama in south Kashmir.

He renewed the government's commitment to bring all areas at par and ensure equitable development of all regions in the state.

"Many revolutionary steps have been taken by the government for rapid socio-economic growth in far-flung, hilly and backward areas. Focused attention has been paid on this aspect." Sharma also underlined the importance of conducive atmosphere and political stability for the development projects to run smoothly state.

Without naming any party, he claimed many political groups were trying to tempt the people by raising slogans "which don't have any respect for the national integration and the interest of common people".

He dubbed such parties as "dream sellers", who are trying to keep the people in a make belief world "to receive their support and grab power". Sharma asked the people to be wary and to stay away from such politics.

Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution minister Taj Mohi-ud-Din said prestigious projects and massive public service infrastructure planned by the coalition government speaks loud and clear on the ground.

"All this has been possible due to liberal financial assistance by the Central government," he said.

Source : PTI