Manmohan Singh says India wants to resolve all issues with Pakistan

Jammu, Mar 4 (ANI): Asserting that regardless of the problems between the Asian neighbours, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, on Friday said India wants to resolve all outstanding issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan through friendly dialogue and constructive and purposeful negotiations

Addressing the third convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), at Zorawar, Dr. Singh said: Despite problems with Pakistan, India decided to resume dialogue process with that country."

Dr Singh, however, he said that the activities of extremist groups in Pakistan is a matter of concern for India, and once again urged Pakistan to bring the culprits of the Mumbai carnage to book.

"The activities of extremist groups in Pakistan are a source of concern. But I believe that there is a growing conviction in Pakistan among the thinking segments of the population that something serious needs to be done to curb the influence of these groups on Pakistani society and polity," he added.

Urging Pakistan to take strong and resolute action against these groups, Dr. Singh said: "This will be in the interest of Pakistan, the sub-continent and the world at large."

Emphasising that there are genuine political, social and emotional grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Singh said that the Union Government is trying honestly to address these issues.

He said the visit of the all party delegation to the State last year was intended to bring about a national consensus on some of the important problems of the State.

"The problems of Jammu and Kashmir are complex and each of the regions of the State - whether it is Kashmir, Jammu or Ladakh-have their own problems which require attention," he said.

"A group of interlocutors was appointed to facilitate a continuous dialogue with all sections of the people of the State. There is no way forward but sustained dialogue and the resolution of all problems under a constitutional framework, that I believe has the flexibility to accommodate honourable and durable solutions for all," he added.

Talking on Rangrajan Committee, which submitted its jobs plan for the Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Singh said that the plan envisages reaching out to nearly 1.5 lakh youth over a period of three to five years adding this would be done through two-pronged strategy.

"The Government of India proposes to begin implementing some of the recommendations immediately and in this connection the agriculture sector which has got a huge employment potential would be give priority," he added. (ANI)