Wanting to turn the Line of Control into a line of peace and convert Jammu and Kashmir into a symbol of Indo-Pakistani cooperation, PM Manmohan Singh said the dialogue with Islamabad would continue "despite difficulties" and the "blackmail" of terror.
"Our dialogue with Pakistan seeks to end the bitter legacy of the last 60 years, and begin a new chapter in our bilateral relations. I hope and believe that Jammu and Kashmir can, one day, become a symbol of India-Pakistan cooperation rather than of conflict," the Prime Minister said.
"As I have stated earlier, borders cannot be changed, but they can be made irrelevant. There can no be question of divisions or fresh partitions, but the Line of Control can become a line of peace with a freer flow of ideas, goods, services and people," he said after receiving the Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa).
The Prime Minister, however, said this could happen once terrorism and violence end permanently. "...real political power in a democracy comes from the ballot box, not the barrel of a gun.
We are firm in our resolve to fight terrorism and to end the black mail of terror in this peace-loving State.
"We are committed to winning the hearts and minds of all. We will never allow anyone to stop the heartbeat of peace-loving people in whatever cause," he said.
Dr Singh said the Centre would continue its dialogue process with Pakistan "despite difficulties" as it genuinely believed that there was no alternative but to work for building peace.
Dr Singh called upon the youths of the state to lead the change and make a genuine effort to build peace and create the conditions for a historic reconciliation of hearts and minds.
Calling India a Knowledge society he said that challenge is now to transform it into a knowledge economy.
PM lays foundation of township for Kashmiri migrants
He also laid the foundation of a township for Kashmiri migrants at Jagti during his one day Jammu visit.
Amid prayers, the prime minister laid the foundation of the 4,200-flat township set amidst the coniferous woods in Nagrota area.
Accompanied by Chief Minister Gulam Nabi Azad, Singh flew to Jagti in a chopper and was recieved by a group of Kashmiri Pandit leaders including MLAs - Raman Mattoo, Khem Lata Wahkloo, Ajay Charangoo of Panun Kashmir, Vinood Pandit of All Party Migrant Coordination Committee and A N Vaishnavi of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference.
A multi-tier security set up was in place for the Prime Minister's visit involving over 5000 security personnel.
Manmohan promises to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits
PM Singh on Sunday promised to rehabilitate Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley from where they were displaced due to the militancy in the early 1990s.
Laying the foundation stone of a 4,200-flat township for the community here, he said the pandits would be take back to the Kashmir valley and the present township is only a temporary dwelling place for the community to provide them with better living conditions.
He said by laying the foundation stone of the township, he he has fulfilled his promise of providing better living conditions for the community.
"I have fulfilled the promise made to you in 2004. Although it was a bit late, but today it was fulfilled by laying foundation stone for your township," Singh, who was accompanied by Union Minister for Water Resources, Saif-uddin Soz and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, said.
Referring to his visit to the Muthi camp in 2004, he said "I have myself seen your miserable living conditions and during that tour I made a promise for providing you better living conditions".
He also noted that it was difficult for the community to live in the heat conditions prevalent in the city.
"I was told that over 1000 flats have been constructed and over 4000 more quarters would be constructed here," he said adding when 5000 quarters would be completed, he would hand them over to migrants.
History is witness to the miseries and plight of the community, Singh said adding "you (Kashmiri Pandits) have bore the burnt of worst situations".
"We want to lessen your miseries and problems by providing you with good living conditions," he said. Singh said 200 flats have also been constructed at Budgam for Kashmiri migrants and these could be used as temporary dwelling place for them.
Speaking on the occasion, Azad said setting up of the township does not mean permanent rehabilitation of Pandits in Jammu.
"Jammu and Kashmir government is committed to take the Pandits back to the valley with honour and dignity once the security situation becomes normal," he said.
Earlier, the prime minister flew to Jagti in a chopper and was received by a group of Kashmiri Pandit leaders. Over 30 Kashmiri Pandit leaders including MLAs - Raman Mattoo, Khem Lata Wahkloo, Ajay Charangoo of Panun Kashmir, Vinood Pandit of All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC) and A N Vaishnavi of All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference were among those present on the occasion.
The APMCC leader handed the prime minister a memorandum signed by all Kashmiri Pandit leaders. - DDNEWS India
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
