PM reaches out to Kashmiri youth
In the wake of the violence that has been rocking the Kashmir Valley, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday reached out to the “youth of Kashmir”, saying they were Indian citizens and that their grievances have to be addressed. He said the government was willing to talk to every group that abjures violence, but made it clear that the
talks would have to be within the framework of the Indian Constitution. He also spoke about the need for enhancing economic opportunities for people of the state.
The Prime Minister made the comments in his address at the Armed Forces Combined Commanders’ Conference that began in the city on Monday.
“The unrest in the state of Jammu and Kashmir over the last few weeks is a matter of concern. The youth of Kashmir are our citizens and their grievances have to be addressed. We have to ensure better delivery of services and generate avenues for economic advancement for the people of that state. We are willing to talk to every person or group which abjures violence, within the framework of our constitution,” Dr Singh declared.
However, the “excerpts” from the Prime Minister’s speech released to the media on Monday was silent on the contentious Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
There has been a debate on whether the AFSPA should be diluted or partially withdrawn in Jammu and Kashmir.
The armed forces have been opposing any dilution or withdrawal of the AFSPA on the grounds that they need the legal protection of the AFSPA during counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, Dr Singh lavished praise on the armed forces, saying that “the Indian armed forces are a hallmark of professionalism and national integration”.
Praising the work of the armed forces including the recent disaster relief operations at Leh, he said the “armed forces have and must continue to serve as a shining example for all citizens of India”.
Referring to Naxalism, he described it as a “serious challenge to our internal security” and said the government would deal firmly with those who resort to violence.
The Prime Minister however emphasised the government’s resolve to accelerate development efforts in naxal-affected areas.
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