PM asks Pak to strive for peace

Piece of mind: Create atmosphere for development

He said meaningful talks with Pakistan to resolve all issues is possible only if it stops allowing its territory to be used for violence against India.

The prime minister, addressing the fifth convocation of the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology here, said his government is prepared to talk with Kashmiri groups if they shun violence and advocate peaceful solution to the issue. 

He admitted that he was aware of some complaints of human rights violations. Action has been taken in many cases.
Singh asked security forces to safeguard human rights in their fight against militancy.

The prime minister arrived here on Monday morning to begin his two-day visit amid tight security and a general strike called by separatists.  

 “I expect Pakistan to help India us in creating an atmosphere of peace and development in both countries so that our people live in peace,” Singh said at the convocation.  “A strong and stable Pakistan is vital for South Asia. India always wants good friendly relations with Pakistan. But the Mumbai attack affected relations between the two countries. Good relations with Pakistan are also vital for peace and development in both countries,”  Singh said.

Referring to his recent meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in Thimphu, Singh said: “We both felt that there is trust deficit between our countries. We have to bridge the gap and come closer."

Singh said the Pakistan government has to cooperate with India for bridging the gap and stop allowing its soil to be used for terrorism against India. "We have to cooperate with each other for peace, development and welfare of our people," he said.

Singh also reiterated that the Government of India wants to strengthen relations between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.  "We have reopened Srinagar-Muzafarabad and Poonch-Rawalakot roads. Besides the travel, trade is also being done through these roads. We are keen now to re-open the Kargil-Sakardu road also," he said.

Some people across the Line of Control do not like strong relations between the countries. "They sabotage the political process, which is aimed at making people self-reliant. They indulge in terrorist acts to disrupt normal life in Kashmir. Security forces are prompted to act to bring the situation under control," he said.

Singh acknowledged that innocent people in the valley sometimes suffer when security forces take action. "It is the responsibility of the security forces to safeguard the human rights of people in their fight against terrorism. I am aware of some complaints of human rights violations by security forces. Action is being taken," he said.

He felt time has come to maintain normalcy in Kashmir." We are ready to talk to the groups who shun violence. We will also look into the implementation of recommendations made by the five working groups formed under my direction," he said.

Singh was all praise for Shah Faisal, a Kashmiri youth who recently topped the civil services examinations. "Even as his father was killed by militants, (Shah) Faesal did not give up and topped the examination. I was happy to meet him in Delhi recently," the prime minister added.