By IRNA,
Srinagar, India : Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Monday said good neighbourly relations between Indian and Pakistan are in interest of both countries and necessary for peace, harmony, stability and development of region.
“The relations between the two countries over the past one and half years have been under the shadow of the terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. I met the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Thimpu and both countries accepted that there is trust deficit between us. We also agreed that this distance between the two countries must be reduced”, he said at a gathering in this Kashmir capital.
Addressing the 5th Convocation of Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Dr. Singh said that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Reza Geelani has assured him that Pakistan will not allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities.
“Meaningful talks between the two countries, which can lead to a resolution of old issues are possible only when Pakistan would not let its territory to be used for acts of terror. Our issues with Pakistan are well known. The destiny of our people is linked to each other. Therefore, both countries should adopt effective ways for cooperation to the benefit of the two countries”, he said adding, “a strong stable and prosperous Pakistan is in the interest of our whole region”.
The Prime Minister said that there are a handful of people who do not want any political process for empowering thhe people to succeed. “This is the reason that attempts to disturb the lives of the people in the Valley and still continues from across the line of control”, he said.
Dr. Singh said “our security agencies are forced to act in the wake of such incidents. During the process sometimes innocent civilians have to suffer. Whenever such incidents happen it becomes necessary to act against those responsible for it. I am aware of some complaints related to human rights on this issue. The Government policy is to protect the human rights of the people even when dealing with terrorism”. He said security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been strictly instructed to respect the rights of the civilians. “We will act to remove any deficiency in the implementation of these instructions”.
The Prime Minister said, “Today I would like to say to our neighbours across the line of control that they should help in creating an environment in which people from both sides can live in peace and harmony and work together”.
Singh said that the Government wants to take steps to open the Kargil-Skardu route. “We have tried our best to promote movement of people and trade on Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot route. Now we want to take similar steps for the Kargil-Skardu route. We have been constantly trying to increase trade and commerce between different parts of Jammu and Kashmir. We want to look at all possible measures to strengthen links between the people on both sides of the line of control”, he added.
The Indian prime minister also announced a grant of Rs. 100 crore for SKUAST, Kashmir.
He referred to the efforts aimed at connecting mainland India with Srinagar through a rail link, construction of the Mughal road, the completion of 450 MW of Baglihar Power Project as well as the other developmental projects in Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also announced National Mission for Research Production, processing and marketing of saffron adding that good work has been done under the State Horticulture Mission.
The Prime Minister said, “We felt that the people of the State are not only interested in financial assistance and development projects but also desire a political process that meets their aspirations. In view of this, we convened three Round Table Conferences. In these conferences we took care to include as many civil society and political groups from the State as possible.
Several recommendations have emerged out of the deliberations in these conferences and we are implementing them in a step wise manner”, he said, indicating that the Government is willing to talk to all groups which do not support terrorism.
Dr. Singh said that “a young leadership has emerged out of the elections of 2008. I am happy that today both the Centre and State Governments are working together on major issues relating to Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Government will extend all possible assistance to the State to accelerate its pace of economic development”.