By IANS,
Srinagar : Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Monday said his government will talk to separatists in Jammu and Kashmir if they gave up violence and asked Pakistan to stop sponsoring terror if it desired “meaningful talks” with India.
Addressing the fifth convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural, Science and Technology here in chaste Urdu, Manmohan Singh made it clear that separatists wedded to violence would be shunned.
Referring to earlier Round Table Conferences in the troubled state, he said: “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 prime minister spoke at some length about Pakistan during his 25-minute speech, asking it to help create “an environment in which people from both sides can live in peace and harmony and work together”.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, he said, “has assured me that Pakistan will not allow its soil to be used for terrorist activities against India.
“Meaningful talks between the two countries, which can lead to a resolution of old issues, are possible only when Pakistan doesn’t let its territory be used for acts of terror against India.”
The prime minister underlined that the destiny of Indians and Pakistanis were linked.
“Both countries should adopt effective ways of cooperation to the benefit of the people,” he said. “A strong, stable and prosperous Pakistan is in the interest of our whole region.”
India accuses Pakistan of arming and funding separatists fighting to secede Jammu and Kashmir, the northern third of which is held by Islamabad and the southern two-third is with New Delhi.
India, he said, was keen to promote trade on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), which divides Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries.
“We have tried our best to promote movement of people and trade on the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkot roads. We now want to take similar steps for the Kargil-Skardu route.
“We have been consistently 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 people on both sides of LoC.”
The prime minister admitted that civilians sometimes suffered at the hands of security forces when they cracked down on militants.
“Whenever such incidents happen it becomes necessary to act against those responsible. I am aware of some complaints related to human rights.
“The government policy is to protect the human rights of the people even when dealing with terrorism. The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have been strictly instructed to respect the rights of the civilians.”
The prime minister received loud applause when he referred to his meeting with young Kashmiri doctor Shah Faesal, who “has the entire state proud by standing first in the Civil Services Examination”.
But he expressed concern that many youths, especially from Srinagar, feel disillusioned due to the lack of economic opportunities. He promised to do the needful to create adequate jobs in Jammu and Kashmir.
Manmohan Singh, who has regularly visited Jammu and Kashmir since he first became prime minister in 2004, referred to the commencement of rail services in the Kashmir Valley, and the government’s plans to extend it to Banihal Pass and the difficult terrain beyond.
He said he was aware of the power shortages plaguing Srinagar and other cities besides issues related to shortages of potable water, roads as well as ration shops.
“I am hopeful the state government will look into these complaints. The central government will extend all possible help to the Jammu and Kashmir government in this regard.”
Manmohan Singh’s two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir was marred by a general strike called by the separatist Hurriyat Conference that shut down Srinagar, the state’s summer capital and the urban hub of the dragging separatist campaign.
Shops and businesses were closed while private and public traffic went off the roads. Thousands of police and paramilitary forces provided security.