Manmohan calls for building a new Kashmir

By Bilal Butt

Srinagar, May 24 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said that the series of fresh initiatives introduced by his UPA Government since 2004 were all aimed at building a new Kashmir, free from the fear of the gun, and allowing people to work in peace towards achieving development-related goals.

Addressing the Second Round Table Conference between the Centre and leaders of various Kashmiri groups here, Dr. Singh said: "I know that your coming here today comes from your decision to become part of the process of bringing peace and improvement to this beautiful land. I hope that with our collective efforts, we will certainly be successful in building such a Kashmir."

Recalling the deliberations of the First Round Table Conference in New delhi in February this year, Dr. Singh said that many views were expressed then, and thereafter, he had continued his interactions with different groups so as to "acquaint ourselves with every viewpoint and understand every approach."

"It is indeed a matter of satisfaction that, despite no two views being identical - and this is a reflection of democracy - it became clear that from all sides there was agreement on what I had said in my opening remarks in Delhi. I had said that every resident of Jammu and Kashmir, no matter which region he or she is from, should lead a life of dignity free from oppression, poverty and fear," the Prime Minister said.

Reiterating the UPA Government's goal that the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir is top priority, Dr. Singh said that the tragic memories of the past needed to be "put behind us" and "our endeavour that we work together to build a prosperous future for the state."

He was particularly critical of some elements within the State who did not wish for this dream to become a reality.

"Their inhuman acts have cost many lives, destroyed many families. Who these elements are, we all know well. I know that you all are with me when I say that such activities will only make our resolve even stronger to ensure that every resident of this state is protected from such terrorist acts and atrocities. We are prepared to take every step towards achieving this objective. We condemn such activities and will ensure that such plans fail. All our sympathies are with those families who have been affected by these assaults," he said.

He also used the occasion of his address to appeal to the All Parties Hurriyat Conference "to join the series of Round Table Conferences so that they can share their views with all of us."

"The huge political challenges are, therefore, to be continually addressed. At the same time, the Rs. 27,000 crore reconstruction plans are also moving forward in which specific plans for the development of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh are in place. For this, the funding is largely through central assistance and this year, Rs. 830 crores have been set aside.There has been progress in the generation of electricity, creation of employment opportunities, expansion of tourism and construction of roads. The long-term vision for Jammu and Kashmir which is being prepared by the Task Force on Jammu and Kashmir under Dr. Rangarajan is ready to submit its report and the recommendations of this report will be included in the 11th Five Year Plan. But there is no room for satisfaction. We have to increase our efforts to generate greater employment opportunities," the Prime Minister said.

"After many years of physical and psychological trauma suffered by the people, it is our duty to ensure the restoration of the health of the common man. Together with efforts to strengthen the medical infrastructure, it has been decided to give the Jammu Medical College the status of an AIIMS. Institutions of public health and education have to be strengthened and increased. This will help the common man address day-to-day problems," he said.

Dr. Singh that it was the government's effort and desire that there should be prosperity on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).

In conclusion, the Prime Minister said that the Second Round Table Conference should focus on (1)What are those political institutions and arrangements which can strengthen the relationship between the state and centre? (2) How can the different regions in this state, while recognizing their distinct identities, be brought closer to each other? (3) What is the economic future of the state? (4) What steps are needed to restore public self-confidence. Each region of Jammu and Kashmir has a distinct identity. How can these be strengthened so that they can blossom? How can we harmonise relations between them? and (5) What are those institutional arrangements which can bring people from both sides of the LoC closer to each other? (ANI)

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