Asserting that constitutional changes have opened new vistas of development in Jammu and Kashmir, Lt Governor G C Murmu on Saturday sought the cooperation of the people in supplementing the initiatives for rapid growth and development of the Union Territory.

"We will take Jammu and Kashmir on the path of rapid growth and development as envisioned by our Prime Minister (Narendra Modi). Letus all join hands to build a new Jammu and Kashmir," Murmu said in his Republic Day message.

Referring to the abrogation of special status of Jammu andKashmir and its bifurcation into two Union Territories in August last year,Murmu said "2019 has been a year of momentous change" for the peopleof the UT.

"The abrogation of temporary provisions have removedthe artificial legal and economic barriers between Jammu and Kashmir and therest of the country and have fully integrated it with the country in the truesense of the term," he said.

He said the legal architecture and system prevailing in therest of the country will now apply to Jammu and Kashmir.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir now stand on the samepedestal as those in the rest of the country with the same rights, benefits andprospects," he said.

Murmu said women and weaker sections like Scheduled Castesand Scheduled Tribes, refugees from West Pakistan and Safai Karamcharis willnow have equal democratic and economic rights while barriers to industrialgrowth and trade have been removed.

"The constitutional changes have opened new vistas ofdevelopment. We need to capitalise on the opportunities. The initiativesalready taken for putting Jammu and Kashmir on the path of sustaineddevelopment shall be given a further push," he said.

However, he said the efforts of the government alone cannotmake a difference and people of the UT "need to come forward andsupplement the initiatives of the government."

"Today, on behalf of all of us in the government whohave been working and dreaming really big for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,I am asking for your support, for your partnership, and for your confidence tomove forward and usher Jammu and Kashmir into a refreshing era of peace,prosperity and development," he said.

"Jammu and Kashmir is seeing a new dawn. A dawn whichpromises hope, a dawn which will bring prosperity, a dawn which will lead toprogress and a dawn which will usher J&K towards peace," he said.

"The best way to overcome misgivings is to reaffirm ourcommitment to abide by the values of our Republic," he added.

Murmu further said that the UT is now at the doorstep of abrighter future.

"As Jammu and Kashmir progresses in step with the restof the country, there will be a boost to private investment and greatopportunity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The economy will grow withmore economic opportunities, businesses will thrive and the people of Jammu andKashmir will gain on all fronts," he said.