PM says, let’s make J&K symbol of co-operation not conflict

July 16: Speaking at a function of Jammu University to bestow on him an honorary degree, Prime minister said he believed that Jammu and Kashmir can become one day the symbol of India-Pakistan co-operation rather than conflict.

Rejecting any prospect of division or change of borders PM said “borders can not be changed they can only be made irrelevant. And Line of Control can only be made Line of Peace with a freer flow of ideas, goods, services and people”. He further added, “we could use the resources of the region jointly for the benefit of all the people living on both the sides of the line of control.

Prime minister called upon the people of the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh to get united for building a glorious future for the coming generation of the state.

Man Mohan Singh appealed to the people of the state to co-operate to the reconciliation of the hearts and minds in the region and add a new chapter in the bilateral relations.

Emphasizing on the effort to end the conflict persistent for the last 60 years between the two countries prime minister said that this conflict can end when terrorism and violence meet their permanent doom.

Stressing democracy Mr. Singh said, “Real power in a democracy comes from the ballot box, not the barrel of a gun. He re-iterated his government’s commitment to fight terrorism firmly and rejected any plan for partition of J&K. he also said that India will continue her dialogue with Pakistan despite difficulties as there is no other alternative except to work for building peace.

Prime minister also expressed hope of separatist leaders joining the round table conference on Kashmir in future after recognizing the significance and the sincerity of the process

Mr. Singh showed the prospects of development of a united stated of J&K after the consideration of the aspirations of people from all the three regions.

He asked for the enthusiastic participation of people of the state to make the dream of ‘New Kashmir’ come true. He termed the state as special due to its ‘pluralistic ethos’ and also expressed the keenness of the center for its development.

Prime minister indicated towards the solution coming up to the dispute but turned down the demand of removing military from the area saying that situation is not ripe for that and security condition is not improved. He also did not facilitate their demand of reallocation of army saying that is a matter of judgement by army personnel not by him.