Kashmir unrest: Give peace a chance, says PM Manmohan Singh

Unveiling a fresh initiative to address the unrest in Kashmir, prime minister Manmohan Singh today urged the people there to "give peace a chance" and promised a sustained "internal and external" dialogue.

In his first public comments on the recent trouble in the Valley that has resulted in the death of nearly 50 people, Singh utilised a meeting with political parties from the state to reach out directly to the youth who are in the forefront of the current agitation.

In remarks telecast live to a national audience, the prime minister spoke of "great pain" caused to him by the events in Kashmir and said, "I share the grief, the sorrow and the sense of loss of every mother, every father, every family and every child in Kashmir".

"Let us make a new beginning," he urged and said, " I appeal to the youth to go back to their schools and colleges and allow classes to resume. I ask their parents what future is there for Kashmir if your children are not educated?"

At the same time, Singh made it clear that the cycle of violence must now come to an end. It was the government's duty to maintain law and order, and "we cannot allow the turmoil to
continue".

The prime minister spoke of the "challenging task" being performed by the state police and other security forces,
noting that many of them had been seriously injured in the
past few weeks.

Singh also announced setting up of an expert group under the chairmanship of noted economist Dr C Rangarajan to formulate a jobs plan for the state involving public and private sectors. It will submit its report within three months.

Central ministers Pranab Mukherjee, AK Antony, P Chidambaram, SM Krishna and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah were present at the meeting at the prime minister's house. The state's main opposition PDP and BJP kept away.

Among those participating from the state included National Conference President Farooq Abdulla, CPM leader Mohammed Yusuf Tarigami, Independent MLAs Ghulam Hasan Mir.

Telling the people of Kashmir that the cycle of violence must come to an end and that peace should be given a chance, the prime minister said he recognised that "the key to the problem is a political solution that addresses the alienation and emotional needs of the people.

"This can only be achieved through a sustained internal and external dialogue. We are ready for this. We are willing to discuss all issues within the bounds of our democratic processes and framework. But this process can gather momentum and yield results only if there is a prolonged peace," he said.

Singh said that the vast majority of the people want a peaceful resolution of all issues. "Let us recognise that repeated agitation whether violent or otherwise only obstruct this process."

He said he understood the prevailing public sentiment on the issue of the Armed forces Special Powers Act. "Eventually the Police has to take on the burden of normal law and order duties. They do not require special powers to discharge their functions.

"We will help to accelerate the process of strengthening and expanding the state Police so that they can function independently and effectively within the shortest possible time," he said.

Underlining that the state government and the chief minister were making contacts with the people, the prime minister said the central government was fully supportive of these efforts which should be intensified.

"I believe that all of you have the solemn duty of reaching out to the people and reinvigorating peaceful political activity on the ground, which is lacking today."

"The youth wings of your parties should be activated. In a democracy leaders have to listen to the voice of the people and gain their trust and confidence," he said.

Singh said there were elements trying to weaken the resolve of the Jammu and Kashmir police and trying to undermine their lawful efforts.

"I urge the state government to take effective action to protect its policemen and their families. We should not do anything to demoralise the security forces," he said. 

The prime minister said local body elections should be held early to increase people's participation in democratic governance and to ensure political empowerment at the grassroots level.

"I would urge you to build a consensus on a practical and realisable vision of Jammu and Kashmir's future. And the people have to be convinced that this future has to be grounded in political and economic realities of our time," he said.

The prime minister endorsed the statement by young MPs of all parties to the youth in Kashmir to exercise restraint and have trust in the power of dialogue.

"Every possible efforts should be made to reach out to the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. We must respond in a sincere and substantive manner to their genuine aspirations for freedom from fear and freedom to build for themselves a life of dignity, security and well-being," he said.

Assuring the youth of the state that their genuine empowerment will be accorded the highest priority in the Centre's Jammu and Kashmir policy, the prime minister said he recognised that the benefits of the large economic reconstruction package for J&K have not been fully felt on the ground.

"We will quicken the pace of its implementation in cooperation with the state government," he said announcing the setting up of an expert group to formulate jobs plans.

Singh said to increase employability in the state, the group will interact with the National Skill Development Mission and submit its report within three months.

But, he said, to show the results of such efforts on the ground, the youth will have to be engaged actively and given the sense of purpose, hope and direction they need to make use of the opportunity the economy provides.

"I am optimistic about the future of Jammu and Kashmir. India's democracy has shown that it has the resilient to accommodate a diversity of aspirations and unique circumstances and the capacity to solve complex problem."

"If all sides show wisdom and restraint, I believe that we can put the bitterness and pain of the recent past behind us and breath new life into the peace process."

"I urge you to carry back with you a message of peace and reconciliation, a message of our serious will and intent  to solve all problems through dialogue and a message of deep empathy for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir," he said.