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Kashmir : PM reaffirms commitment to the peace process |
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The Prime Minister has reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to pursuing the peace process with Pakistan to end conflicts between the two countries. Speaking in Srinagar, he said all efforts are being made to provide a conducive atmosphere for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to live peacefully. At a function in Kargil, Dr. Manmohan Singh complimented the determination of the armed forces and the local people in fighting the enemy and restoring normalcy. Referring to the Kargil conflict, he said the Government’s endeavour is to protect the people of the area from such dangers in future.
Speaking in Leh on June 10, the Prime Minister said that all out efforts would be made to develop infrastructure and tourist facilities in the state. Speaking after renaming the Leh airport as Kushok Bakula Rimpoche airport, Dr. Manmohan Singh said the Centre will work with the state government to ensure that the full potential of tourism of the state is exploited.
No internal ceasefire
The Army has said that Kashmiri militants will be encouraged to shun the path of violence, but at the same time, foreign ultras operating in the state will be dealt with firmly. The Chief of the Army Staff, Gen. J.J. Singh, told reporters in Srinagar last week that no leniency will be shown to foreign militants operating in the state. He dismissed media reports suggesting an internal ceasefire in the state, saying that there is no such proposal.
The demand for internal ceasefire was made by a Congress Minister of the State, Babu Singh. Speaking in Jammu, Babu Singh, who joined the Congress as an associate member a year ago, demanded that India announce a unilateral internal ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir.
Amarnath Yatra to be extended
Jammu and Kashmir Governor S.K. Sinha and Chief Minister Mufti Mohd. Sayeed have sorted out their differences over the duration of the annual Amarnath pilgrimage. It has been decided that the pilgrimage will be of a duration of one and a half months. The Governor originally wanted the pilgrimage to continue for two months while the Chief Minister favoured a month-long Yatra due to security concerns. The pilgrimage is scheduled to start on July 6.
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