Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said any reference to Jammu and Kashmir should include its four parts—Jammu, the Kashmir Valley, Ladakh and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir(PoK).
The Ministry of External Affairs, Modi suggested, should work to get the overseas residents of PoK to highlight before the world the pitiable conditions in which people in PoK live.
Addressing an all party meeting on the unrest in Kashmir, he said his government was committed to finding a permanent and peaceful solution to the Kashmir problem within the framework of the basic principles of the Constitution. “We have an open mind and our doors are always open. We are committed to the welfare of every citizen in Jammu and Kashmir. To find a solution, we will follow the path shown by Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee,”, Modi said, invoking the former prime minister who was extremely popular in the Valley.
Appreciating the efforts of parties to come together in the interest unity and integrity of India despite political differences, Modi called upon political parties and people to join the fight against terrorism.
The prime minister, who admitted that restrictions have been placed in certain areas in order to maintain law and order without which normal life will be adversely affected, maintained that these restrictions have not caused as much inconvenience as the strike calls of the separatists.
He also lashed out at Pakistan for fomenting trouble in the state. The root cause of strife in the Valley is cross border terrorism, which is being encouraged by the neighbouring country, Modi said, adding that India will fight terrorism with full force and determination as it is our national responsibility.
Giving statistics, Modi said from 1989-1990, security forces have recovered more than 34,000 AK47s, more than 5,000 grenade launchers, 90 light machine guns, more than 12,000 pistols and rifles, three anti-tank and four anti-air craft guns, more than 350 missile launchers, 63,000kg of RDX explosives and over a lakh of hand grenades. The forces have also neutralised over 5,000 cross border terrorists. “However much Pakistan may lie about sending terrorists to our country, because of this huge presence of foreign terrorists and recovered arms, the world will never believe their falsehood.”
The prime minister said he was as pained over the recent incidents in the Valley just as every other Indian and promised better health facilities for the injured. He spoke of the secular traditions and communal harmony of the state and said it represented the fact that India was united despite diversity. “Jammu and Kashmir is not only an indicator of our territorial integrity, but also defines our nation.”
He touched upon peaceful Amarnath Yatra, solar energy initiatives in Ladakh, the successful conduct of NEET, CET and UPSC exams, as well as the fact that essential services have been reaching the people without any let up during his speech.
Outlining the government's initiatives to provide immediate employment, he revealed that it has decided to appoint 10,000 SPOs, 1,200 para military and 5 reserve battalions
Praising the Mehbooba government for the way it has handled the situation over the last five weeks, Modi said the Centre and the state government will address all the legitimate complaints of the people and deal firmly with anti-national elements, terrorists and those indulging in violence and anti-social activities.
