New Delhi:
Voicing concern over the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday sought to reach out to the people there, saying their grievances have to be addressed.
Singh also emphasized on the need for better delivery of services and generating avenues for economic advancement of the people of the state.
"Unrest in the state of Jammu and Kashmir over the last few weeks is a matter of concern. The youth of Kashmir are our citizens and their grievances have to be addressed," he said speaking at the Combined Commanders' Conference in New Delhi.
(Read: PM's full speech)"We are willing to talk to every person or group which abjures violence, within the framework of our Constitution," he added.
Singh's remarks came as 14 people have been killed and many others injured in clashes in the Valley. Two people including a policeman were killed in clashes between protesters and security forces. One more person was killed in Tangmar, where protesters targeted government buildings. Earlier a 25-year-old man was killed in firing in Bandipore.
In his speech, Singh, however, made no mention of the controversial Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). He is expected to discuss this issue at the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meet, which began on Monday evening.
The CCS will discuss if the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives the Army considerable immunity during operations, can be lifted from four districts in the Valley as a measure to end the cycle of violence. Seventy civilians have been killed in clashes with security forces since June.
Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is also holding a Cabinet meet in Srinagar. He earlier held a series of meetings in the Capital ahead of the CCS meet.
Omar met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and pushed for the need for a political initiative.
He also met Home Minister P Chidambaram. During his meeting, he pitched for the lifting of the AFSPA from urban areas. He also urged for amendments to make the act more humane.
(
With PTI inputs)