"Nothing is more fulfilling for me than sharing Iftar with these beautiful children who have been deprived of the love and care of their parents," the chief minister said. (File photo)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti hosted an 'Iftar party' for about 200 orphan girls at the heritage site of Zero Bridge on River Jhelum.
"I am really honoured to be a part of this special occasion. Nothing is more fulfilling for me than sharing Iftar with these beautiful children who have been deprived of the love and care of their parents," she said while interacting with them last evening.
She said that her government would ensure a safe and secure environment to enable them to become successful in life.
Ms Mufti called for a collective effort to alleviate the suffering and emotional distress of orphans and assist them in making a mark in their lives.
Education is one of the prime tools to break the vicious circle of impoverishment, she said.
The PDP leader said that the objective should be to make available same educational and other facilities to these girls, as available to others in more fortunate circumstances.
The chief minister said such children need to be provided the emotional stability to help them overcome their challenges, focus on their studies, enhance their skills and build a sense of belonging.
"More than two-decade long turmoil in the state has not only resulted in colossal death and destruction but has left behind a trail of tragedies which include hundreds of orphans and destitute," Ms Mufti said.
"I urge all the conscientious citizens of the state to work towards stabilisation of peace efforts and help the government usher Jammu and Kashmir into an optimistic era of prosperity and emotional healing for the sufferers of violence," she added.