Srinagar, Oct 18 (IANS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday blamed both the mainstream and the separatist politicians for exploiting the local youth for political ends.

Addressing the 'Kashmir Youth Festival' in Srinagar, attended by more than 600 local youth and those belonging to other Indian states, Omar said: "Our youth have grown under the shadow of the gun and they have not witnessed any thing other than violence and destruction."

"Their feelings and sentiments have been exploited by all of us, whether we functioned as the mainstream politicians or as the separatists. All of us have used their feelings to paddle our political boats," he said.

Omar told union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Ajay Maken, who presided over the function: "What are the feelings and emotions of the youth must have become clear to you through the interactions here."

"Youth of J and K have the same quests and feelings for a better tomorrow. They want to live with peace and dignity without any fear. They want to live in an atmosphere free from fear and uncertainty. They want to shape the future of this state," he said.

"An interaction with them proves there is hardly any difference between the local youth and those who have come here from other states today to participate in the function," he said.

The chief minister said his government had tried to advise the youth on the right lines. "We have always tried not to deceive the youth ever since our coalition government came to power," he said.

"While we shall try and increase avenues of employment in the government, those of you who can stand on their own legs must do so, we will support all your ventures," he said.

Social activist and Bollywood star Shabana Azmi also participated in the festival and interacted with the local youth.

"I am happy to have been given an opportunity to interact with the local youth. Whenever there has been change in human history, it has always been brought about by the youth. If we can involve them and provide the right direction, they can realise their dream of a better tomorrow," he said.

During the festival, which was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Complex, Maken interacted freely with the youth and answered their questions.

Most of the local youth asked questions about employment, peace, development, problems faced by the local students who were pursuing studies in other states and Bollywood.

The two-day festival is jointly organised by the union ministry, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan and the National Service Scheme to facilitate interaction between Kashmiri youth with those from other states.