By TCN News,
New Delhi: In Kashmir, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh talked both local and national. If he talked about specific issues of Srinagar he also expressed his views on the bilateral relations between India and Pakistan. Today the PM was addressing the 5th Convocation ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University for Agriculture, Science and Technology in Srinagar.
“I am also concerned that many youth from Jammu and Kashmir and especially from Srinagar feel disillusioned due to the lack of economic opportunities. I can imagine the disillusionment of those who have received education in premier institutions like the Sher-e-Kashmir University and yet cannot find good employment. In cooperation with the State Government, we will make every possible effort to create adequate employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir,” said PM Dr Manmohan Singh.
He highlighted the importance of Sher-e-Kashmir University for Agriculture, Science and Technology.
“Your institution is of great importance for Jammu and Kashmir in many ways. There is a lot of scope for improvement in the field of agriculture and horticulture in the state. The Sher-e-kashmir University can contribute substantially in these areas. Over three fourths of the population of the state is engaged in occupations related to land. In rural areas irrigation facilities are inadequate, in many parts there is severe cold and shortage of fodder etc. for six months in a year. The agricultural productivity in the state is low and there is little value addition after harvest.
To overcome these problems, the Sher-e-KashmirUniversity can play an important role in improving technology in areas such as crop production, horticulture, cattle rearing, fishery, sericulture and agricultural education. The university in the past has contributed substantially to technological upgradation for temperate and cold desert regions of the country.”
In recognition of its contribution and in view of its importance to the development of the state, the PM announced the central government will provide a special grant of Rs. 100 crore to the university.
The PM lauded the success of Dr Shah Faisal who has topped this year’s Civil Services.
“Last month, I met Dr. Shah Faisal, a young doctor from Kashmir. His father was a teacher who lost his life to the violence in the state. Dr. Faisal has made the entire state proud by standing first in the Civil Services Examination. He received all his education in institutions of Jammu and Kashmir. His success is proof that the educational institutions in the state are no less than other educational institutions of our country. My best wishes are with Dr. Faisal. I also greet the other students from Jammu and Kashmir who have succeeded in the Civil Services Examination of the UPSC.”
He reiterated his view that he was ready to talk to anyone who shuns violence.
“We wish to carry forward the process of dialogue and we are ready to hold talks with the representative of any group which shuns violence and terror.”
The Indian PM called upon Pakistan to help in creating peaceful environment in the region.
“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 the sides can live in peace and harmony and work together.”
“Our issues with Pakistan are well known. Good neighbourly relations between India and Pakistan are in the interest of both the countries. At the same time they are necessary for peace and harmony, stability and development our region. The relations between the two countries over the past one and a half years have been under the shadow of the terror attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008. As you are aware, I met the Prime Minister of Pakistan in Thimpu last month. Both the countries accepted that there is a trust deficit between us. We also agreed that this distance between the two countries must be reduced.”