In a bid to apply the healing touch to the state’s festering wounds, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to “give peace a chance”. He also reached out to the state’s youth, asking them to “make a new beginning” along with the assurance that the government would respond in equal measure.
[The PM said the Centre was willing to consider autonomy for the state within the ambit of the Constitution, PTI reported. Dr Singh told a nearly four-hour meeting with representatives of various political parties from the state here that if there was a consensus between them on autonomy, the Centre would consider it within the ambit of the Constitution. “We are all servants of the Constitution. There are many shades of opinion in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir. I and my senior ministers present here shows our seriousness in addressing the issues,” he said.]
Earlier, in opening remarks in chaste Urdu, the PM said, “I appeal to the youth to go back to their schools and colleges and allow classes to resume. I ask their parents: What future is there for Kashmir if your children are not educated?” He added: “I assure the youth of J&K that their genuine empowerment will be accorded the highest priority in J&K policy.” He acknowledged that the “key to the problem is a political solution that addresses the alienation and emotional needs of the people”. This, he added, “can only be achieved through a sustained internal and external dialogue”. He then asserted, “We are ready for this. We are willing to discuss all issues within the bounds of our democratic process and framework.”