New Delhi:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has appealed to all groups to join the process of dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the situation in Kashmir. He appealed to people in the state to give peace a chance, promising infrastructure and development in the state.
"I believe we need a political solution that can address the feeling of alienation in the people, and we are ready for dialogue," said the Prime Minister addressing an all party meet in New Delhi
The Prime Minister broke his silence after two months of protests and over 50 people killed in the valley, most of them youngsters, including a 9-year-old. Admitting that the government's Kashmir policy needs to do more, the PM said, "I am aware of the public sentiments on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act."
Dr Singh added that he empathised with the youth of the state and that every effort will be made to meet their hopes and aspirations. "I feel the pain and alienation of youngsters protesting on the streets. I appeal to the youth in Jammu and Kashmir to go back to their schools and colleges. We must ask ourselves if our children do not study, what future they'll have," said the Prime Minister, stressing that all political parties must look for a peaceful resolution to the problem, by galvanising the youth.
The Prime Minister said that the central government would extend all possible help to the state government in resolving the situation on the ground and mitigating tensions. Dr Singh promised early local body elections in the state, to ensure greater public participation in the administration.
The government has formed an expert committee headed by former RBI governor Dr C Rangarajan to explore ways to enhance employment opportunities in the state. The committee will also have Infosys mentor NR Narayana Murthy.
The BJP stayed away from the all party meet, and Jammu and Kashmir's main opposition party - the PDP - will reportedly meet the Prime Minister separately.
"I believe we need a political solution that can address the feeling of alienation in the people, and we are ready for dialogue," said the Prime Minister addressing an all party meet in New Delhi
The Prime Minister broke his silence after two months of protests and over 50 people killed in the valley, most of them youngsters, including a 9-year-old. Admitting that the government's Kashmir policy needs to do more, the PM said, "I am aware of the public sentiments on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act."
Dr Singh added that he empathised with the youth of the state and that every effort will be made to meet their hopes and aspirations. "I feel the pain and alienation of youngsters protesting on the streets. I appeal to the youth in Jammu and Kashmir to go back to their schools and colleges. We must ask ourselves if our children do not study, what future they'll have," said the Prime Minister, stressing that all political parties must look for a peaceful resolution to the problem, by galvanising the youth.
The Prime Minister said that the central government would extend all possible help to the state government in resolving the situation on the ground and mitigating tensions. Dr Singh promised early local body elections in the state, to ensure greater public participation in the administration.
The government has formed an expert committee headed by former RBI governor Dr C Rangarajan to explore ways to enhance employment opportunities in the state. The committee will also have Infosys mentor NR Narayana Murthy.
The BJP stayed away from the all party meet, and Jammu and Kashmir's main opposition party - the PDP - will reportedly meet the Prime Minister separately.
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