By IRNA,
Srinagar, India : Kashmir Governor, N. N. Vohra asserted agitation and confrontation cannot resolve issues involving contrary positions, adding conciliation and dialogue are best means for seeking a solution to any contentious issue.
Addressing the Joint Session of both the Houses of the State Legislature here today, the Governor said that the State Government has been emphasizing the importance of the dialogue process and has welcomed the initiatives in this regard which have recently been taken by the Government of India. He said that the appointment of a team of Interlocutors and the establishment of Task Forces for the Jammu and Ladakh regions have been welcomed by the Government and the Centre’s 8-point formula would also contribute to addressing the internal dimensions of the Kashmir problem. He appealed to all shades of opinion in Jammu and Kashmir to seize this historic opportunity of participating meaningfully in the ongoing dialogue for resolving all outstanding differences.
The Governor observed that there has been a progressive improvement in the internal security situation in the past few years. However, he added that the continuance of terrorist activities and extremist ideologies is a cause for serious concern. Besides causing recurring human and economic losses, the activities of terrorist networks have given a serious set back to the entire process of development and growth in the past years. He emphasised that the Government shall take all necessary steps to restore complete normalcy, which is imperative for sustained growth.
The Governor said that consequent to extensive discussions held under the aegis of the Prime Minister’s Round Table Conferences five Working Groups had been established to examine issues relating to Jammu & Kashmir, adding that his Government urges the Government of India to speed up the implementation of the recommendations of the Working Groups as this will contribute to building a strong and stable Jammu & Kashmir and further strengthening the Union-State relations.
The Governor said, “the past two years have witnessed a significant improvement in the State’s security environment as a result of the constant pressure maintained by the Security Forces. My Government records its gratitude to the officers and men of the Security Forces who have been valiantly performing their duties in extremely difficult circumstances. In pursuance of my Government’s commitment to ensure zero tolerance of human rights violations, all Security Forces have been directed to most strictly observe the Standing Operating Procedures while carrying out anti-terrorist operations in any part of the State. Side by side, the functioning of the State Police and Security Forces personnel is being reoriented to deal with stone-pelting agitations and mob violence without the application of excessive force”.