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| PM hopes Pak, JK separatists will respond positively |
| Press Trust of India / Srinagar Oct 29, 2009, 13:00 IST |
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Confident that Jammu and Kashmir was "turning the corner" and entering "a new chapter" in the peace process, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hoped that the government's offer of dialogue would be reciprocated in the spirit it has been made.
Addressing a press conference just before winding up his two-day visit to Kashmir, he said the government was committed to work for peaceful resolution of all problems facing the state, both in internal and external dimensions.
He said India was ready to discuss all issues with Pakistan provided it creates an "atmosphere in which negotiations can be fruitful" but made it clear that it will "not act under pressure of anybody".
Singh said there there is "no pre-condition" for talks with Pakistan but the "practical aspect" is that there will be no headway till Pakistan brings under "effective control" the terror elements in that country.
"We are ready to discuss all issues with Pakistan.. We sincerely hope Pakistan will create an atmosphere in which negotiations can be fruitful," he said.Singh, who held discussions with various sections of the society in Kashmir, said he was returning to Delhi "fully satisfied" after his visit here.
"I believe a new chapter is opening in the peace process in the state and Jammu and Kashmir is turning the corner," the Prime Minister said.Referring to his "appeal" for dialogue will separatists in J and K, he said "I hope it will be reciprocated in the spirit it was made."
He said the government will have to carry all stake-holders in the state to achieve "permanent peace in J and K so that we can concentrate on the ambitious agenda of development and full economic revival and create lot more jobs for the young people."
Singh said the government is willing to engage in "serious discussions" with every group provided they shun the path of violence.
When referred to a remark by Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq justifying the role of gun in separatist movement, the Prime Minister said, "One should not read too much in a statement made in anger."
Singh said he still hoped that "all those who have good and well-being of the people of J&K in their hearts will respond favourably to my appeal."At the same time, he slammed Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) for making certain adverse comments on Jammu and Kashmir and appointing a special representative and said India has protested against these.
"We regret the OIC has got into this business and we have lodged a protest with OIC on this count," he said.
"We want a peaceful resolution to all problems facing J&K, both in its internal dimensions and also external dimensions," Singh said.
He, however, made it clear that India "is not acting under anybody's pressure, we are not going to be induced to act under pressure of anybody."
The Prime Minister said it was in the interest of people of Jammu and Kashmir as well as Pakistan that the "relations between our two countries should be what they ought to be between two neighbours."
In this context, he referred to his oft-repeated statement that the destinies of India and Pakistan are closely interlinked.
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