No compromise with terrorism: Manmohan
PM announces lifting of ban on recruitment in J&K
8 new degree colleges, 4 ITIs sanctioned for Jammu

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: In a major policy decision, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today announced lifting of the ban on recruitment in Central Government service in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The ban imposed by the Centre will not apply to Jammu and Kashmir. This has been decided since youth in the militancy-infested State are facing hardships in getting employment," Mr Singh told a massive public rally in sprawling lawns of Parade Ground in the heart of the City this afternoon.

"I’m told by the Jammu and Kashmir Government that they can provide more jobs to the unemployed youths but there is a ban imposed on fresh recruitment in the Central departments. I hereby lift the ban, which wouldn’t be in place in future", he said in his brief 18 minutes speech amidst a thunderous applause from the crowd especially the unemployed youths.

At the same time, Mr Singh said, the Centre would work "shoulder to shoulder" with Mufti Sayeed led PDP-Congress (I) coalition Government in the State to promote a reconstruction plan to provide additional employment in coming four to five years.

The Prime Minister, who arrived here this morning from Srinagar during his two day visit to the State came to the rally venue at 1.25 pm about two and a half hours behind schedule, said efforts would be made to ensure that jobless youth were given employment opportunities in security forces.

Asserting that there would be no compromise with terrorism, he asked the misguided youths to shun the path of violence and return to the mainstream to give a fillip to development of infrastructure and ushering in of peace in the troubled State.

"There will be no compromise on terrorism. Let no one has any doubt about it. Certain elements who were using militancy to meet their political ends wouldn’t succeed", the Prime Minister declared.

On the peace process in the State, Mr Singh said "my doors are open to all for talks without any condition". Political parties, intellectuals and the civil society could play a major role in bringing peace, he added

"Main Bina Sharat Daawat Deta Hoon. Hamare Darwaze Khule Hain. Aao Aage Barho Aur Vikas Main Yogdaan Do (I extend my offer for unconditional talks. Our doors are always open. Come forward and extend your help in development of the State)", Mr Singh said reiterating his offer for talks.

Without making any reference to any particular demand, raised earlier by Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, the Prime Minister said: "I assure you that all promises made in the Congress election manifesto and Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the coalition Government will be sincerely implemented".

"Sonia Gandhi (the All India Congress Committee president) has also told me to give this assurance to the people on her behalf", he added.

Maintaining that the Nehru-Gandhi family had always stood for all round development of Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister said Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been mindful about the welfare of the people of the State.

"Gandhi’s message to the people is to begin a "new chapter" for the State and create an atmosphere of peace and security so that development projects as envisaged in the UPA Government’s Common Minimum Programme (CMP) is fully implemented", Mr Singh asserted.

"I can assure you that the Centre will work shoulder to shoulder with the State Government to bring about an atmosphere of peace and to rid J and K of poverty and unemployment," he said.

The Prime Minister also announced opening of eight new degree colleges in Akhnoor, R S Pura, Kathua and Samba, besides four Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) for women in Doda, Poonch, Rajouri and Udhampur by next year.

With the announcement of eight new degree colleges in Jammu today and six new degree colleges in the Kashmir valley yesterday by the Prime Minister, a total of 14 degree colleges have been sanctioned for Jammu and Kashmir by the Central Government. An initiative to this effect was taken by State Education Minister Harshdev Singh, who vigorously pursued the case first with the NDA Government and then with the UPA Government at the Centre.

The Prime Minister said the Centre and the Mufti Government had jointly prepared a comprehensive plan to give a fillip to development and reconstruction activities in the State. "If this plan is implemented, many jobs can be created in the next four to five years".

The Centre has also decided to give more representation to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir in Police organisations and security agencies, he said.

In the reconstruction plan, efforts would be made to make the State "power surplus" in the next four to five years by strengthening transmission, distribution and generation with special emphasis on micro hydro-electric power projects, the Prime Minister said.

"With these development plans, we want to change the face of Jammu and Kashmir", he said adding that the State and the Centre would also lay stress on water supply, road and other infrastructure projects.

This, Singh said, was in line with Gandhi’s emphasis on fast-tract improvement of infrastructure in the state. "She has exhorted all Congress-ruled State Governments to lay stress on these developmental matters", he said.

Emphasising on the need for enhancing job opportunities for women, he said the State Government would target to set up one Anganwadi Centre in every village of the State in the coming years. "This is expected to provide employment to 14,000 women", Singh said.

He said the Central Government has also decided to recruit 10,000 youths in security forces every years from Jammu and Kashmir.

Referring to the plight of the West Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) refugees of 1947, he said the Government will make efforts to provide special benefits to them. "I can understand their problems because I myself came to India as a refugee after partition in 1947".

Describing Jammu as a major tourist hub, Singh said this was primarily due to the Vaishnodevi shrine where lakhs of devotees arrived each year from different parts of the country.

Efforts would be made to make the region a pilgrimage destination on the lines of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. "We will honestly and sincerely try to take this measures," he said adding that tourism infrastructure should be strengthened for the purpose.

‘Redrawing of border not negotiable’
Withdrawal of troops a calculated risk: Manmohan

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today expressed his belief that "purposeful and meaningful negotiations" are possible with Pakistan within the limits set by him that redrawing of borders and "second partition" of the country are neither feasible nor negotiable.

"What is not negotiable is redrawing of borders and second partition. Beyond this, there is a wide scope for dialogue and I hope people will take benefit out of it," he told a press conference here while winding up his two-day visit to the State.

The Prime Minister was asked whether proper dialogue could take place with Pakistan in view of his statement in Srinagar yesterday that there could be no redrawing of borders and "second partition" of the country on the basis of religion.

To another question, he said " I still believe it is possible to have purposeful and meaningful negotiations within limits I have set."

The Prime Minister told Hurriyat leaders not to put conditions like travel to Pakistan prior to talks with the Centre.

Dr. Singh said he has not put any pre-condition for a dialogue with anyone in Kashmir.

"In my speech I have invited all political parties, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, people even outside political system, and those within civil society to benefit us with their suggestions. What more invitation can anybody give," he said.

On Hurriyat’s insistence that their leaders should be allowed to visit Pakistan before they talk to the Centre, Dr Singh said "I do not accept any pre-condition on the part of anyone. ``It is not fair to put conditions to me that I will travel here or there before talking to us. It is not fair.", he elaborated.

To another question, he said "I still believe it is possible to have purposeful and meangingful negotiations within the limits I have set."

Asked whether there was any difference between words and deeds of Pakistan, the Prime Minister said " I do not want to prejudge. We must give sufficient time to arrive at conclusion."

He said New Delhi’s decision to withdraw part of its troops from the State was a "calculated risk within acceptable limits. We will review the situation on constant basis".

"If they do so, it will be good," Dr Singh said when asked whether he expected Islamabad to reciprocate by reducing its troops in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The Prime Minister refuted a suggestion that his Government has ignored the interests of Jammu and has focussed only on Kashmir valley.

"I am not prepared to accept that I have ignored the interests of Jammu. I have protected the interests of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh," he made it clear.

A Central team would visit the State to look into grievances of the people and explore ways to ensure all round development, he said adding whatever promises have been made would be fulfilled in coming four-five years.

Dr Singh said that he was here to " reach out to the hearts and minds of the people of Jammu and Kashmir" and to help assist the long term development of the State. He asked all sections of the society to join together in building of New Kashmir.

"I have come to you to say that we can make that new beginning with dignity and self respect. Every one of us has a right to live a life of dignity and self-respect. This is our commitment to each and every individual", he further said.

Camp dwellers to get 2-room accommodation
Inter-Ministerial team soon to assess KPs’ problems: PM

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has said that a special inter-ministerial team will soon be constituted that will be sent to various migrant camps to assess situation and seek suggestions from various families and groups and formulate a project for their permanent settlement as per their wishes and aspirations.

Addressing displaced Hindu families from Kashmir valley at the Camp on the outskirts of Jammu city this afternoon, Dr Singh said he was pained to see such a large number of families turned migrants in their own country. They have become the worst victims of terrorism and he himself being a refugee of 1947, can well understand their miseries and sufferings of fellow refugees.

Referring to their plight, the Prime Minister said that he himself paid visit to some one-room family quarters in the Camp and noticed pitiable condition of the families dwelling there. He announced that his Government will provide two-room accommodation to the migrants languishing in camps at Jammu and Delhi and for this a special package will be provided. He said that the Inter-Ministerial group apart from assessing rehabilitation of KP migrants’ will also look into their other problems including education, health, employment, security and accommodation.

Dr Singh said that aim of his visit to the camps here was to see the condition of the migrants, meet them and share their sufferings. He said it is the responsibility of the Government to protect their culture and identity of Kashmiriyat. The Government will also take care of their security, education, health care and welfare of their women and children, he said.

Responding to their demands of return to Valley, permanent settlement and employment opportunities, the Prime Minister said that ban on employment has been lifted and they will be provided employment package besides ensuring their safe and dignified return to their homeland.

As per a suggestion, an inter-ministerial team will be sent to various migrant camps to assess the situation, seek suggestions on rehabilitation and formulate a plan for their permanent settlement in Valley. Dr Singh claimed that he was here to open a new chapter and ensure sincere and honest approach in the restoration of peace and ensure all round development in the State.

Earlier, the Prime Minister accompanied by his wife Mrs Gursharan Kour, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and Union Minister of State for Prime Minister Secretariat, Prithvi Raj Chouhan paid a brief visit to Muthi camp and inquired about the condition from some of the families. He also spoke to women and children and then moved to the rally site where he was accorded grand reception by various Kashmiri Pandit organisations. Several children displaying placards with slogans , " we want homeland’, dignified return to Valley....." and so on...greeted the Prime Minister. Some of them were clad in traditional Kashmiri dresses just reminding of their identity.

The Prime Minister complimented the Kashmiri Pandit community for preserving the rich ethos and glorious traditions. He said that community has contributed most significantly to the growth of value system.

On behalf of various KP organisations, a representative —H L Bhat raised demands of the displaced Hindu community and also submitted a copy of memorandum to the Prime Minister. He said migrants are the worst victims of terrorism and are facing exile in their own country. They are struggling for their political and social identity and culture as well. The education of their children has been affected and many of the migrants are facing starvation, depression and various ailments.

He said the Pandits want return to their home land but at the same time they oppose scattered rehabilitation as proposed by State Government. And even cluster settlement is not safe and viable. The militants’ threat continues to persist and moreover, for realistic return of KPs not only goodwill from majority community is enough but they also want an assurance that they will not be uprooted again in future. A comprehensive vision and a grand return package is required from the Government which also include package for settlement of traders, agriculturists and businessmen of this community.

In the memorandum, it was pointed that in last one decade about 9000 KP employees have retired but no proper share has been provided to the youth of community. Hardly 200 have been accommodated so far during this period. He demanded due share in employment for the Pandit youth. He said more than 6000 houses of the Pandits have been torched and destroyed in Valley and land and houses of many of them have been grabbed forcefully by some members of majority community. The Government should ensure every possible help in the safe, respectable settlement of Kashmiris, he maintained.

Union Urban Development, Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, AICC Gen Secy Ambika Soni, Governor Lt Gen ( Retd)S K Sinha, Chief Minister, Mufti Mohd Sayeed, Dy CM Mangat Ram Sharma, PCC president Peerzada Mohd Sayed, Minister for Social Welfare Mula Ram, MOS Raman Bhalla and Yogesh Sawhney also accompanied Dr Singh.

Hurriyat for triangular approach on Kashmir

SRINAGAR, Nov 18: Hurriyat Conference today favoured a triangular approach to resolve the Kashmir issue and made it clear it was not putting conditions and does not expect conditions for a dialogue with the Centre.

"We want to clarify that going to Pakistan is not a condition laid by us for continuing talks with the Centre.We are ready to meet Government (of India) prior to going to Islamabad if the Government so desires," Chairman of the moderate faction of the Hurriyat Mirwaiz Umer Farooq today said.

About Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement yesterday that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Mirwaiz told reporters after a meeting of its executive committee here that Hurriyat considers Kashmir as a disputed issue. "The issue has three parties and could be resolved when the three parties sit together and find a solution to the issue which is acceptable to all of them".

He said if the Government of India is not ready for tripartite talks let them adopt a triangular approach.

Elaborating, he said on the one hand India and Pakistan should talk to each other and on the other Hurriyat leadership would have separate dialogue with India and Pakistan. This triangular approach can lead to resolution of Kashmir issue.

However, he stated that India and Pakistan cannot resolve the Kashmir issue bilaterally. If they (Governments of India and Pakistan) think so they are "highly mistaken". Mirwaiz said Hurriyat has not received a formal invitation for the third round of talks with the Government. "We want to continue the process of talks. No proper invitation has been received by Hurriyat".

Claiming that the amalgam had prepared three roadmaps for resolution of Kashmir issue which would be acceptable to all the three parties to the issue, he said we "want to discuss these with both Governments of India and Pakistan". However, he did not divulge the details of the roadmap.

Pointing out that Hurriyat entered into a dialogue with the NDA Government on three principles that the talks would be unconditional, Kashmir centric and involvement of Pakistan in the talks, he said "both the Hurriyat as well as Government of India had complete understanding on this".

"We are still ready to continue the dialogue process based on these three principles. It is the responsibility of the Government of India to accept these principles to carry forward the talks," he said.

Referring to Prime Minister’s assertion that he was for restoration of peace in Kashmir, he said slogan of peace by 10,000 people (who attended the PM’s public meeting) and grant of Rs 24,000 crore development and reconstruction plan for Jammu and Kashmir will not bring peace in the State. He said Kashmir issue is an obstacle to peace not only in the State but also entire sub-continent.

About the unconditional dialogue offered by the Prime Minister to anyone and everyone in the State, Mirwaiz said "Government of India needs to clarify its stand as to whether they deem Kashmir issue as an economic problem or political issue pending solution".

Maintaining that the Hurriyat considers Kashmir as a long-standing dispute, a humanitarian problem and a political issue which needs to be resolved through dialogue among the concerned parties, Mirwaiz said for the final settlement of the issue, we have to take into confidence the youth who have gun in their hands.

He said Kashmiri leaders should be allowed to meet each other. "When Governments of India and Pakistan can talk why not people of the divided Kashmir".

Urging the Centre to adopt what he called realistic approach, he referred to the speeches of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee that issues between the two countries could be resolved when they rise above their known stands.

Terming the proposals put forth by the Pakistan President for resolution of Kashmir issue as a step in right direction, he suggested to the Centre to come up with its proposals which could be considered by Kashmiri leadership as well as Pakistan.

He said Pakistan Prime Minister Shoukat Aziz is arriving in India to discuss the proposals. "Hurriyat has been invited to New Delhi to discuss the proposals".

On the issue of visiting Pakistan, he said visiting Pakistan was a reality and requirement for everlasting peace and permanent solution to the Kashmir issue.

About Prime Minister’s remarks that every Indian citizen has to go abroad on Indian passports, Mirwaiz said it is obvious "that we are under Indian occupation and we have to apply for passports as Indian citizens".

However, he said importance should not be attached to on which passport we go to Pakistan but on what mission we are going there. (PTI)

All regions to be benefited: Azad
People defying militants’ dictates, says Mufti

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed today said the people in Kashmir were defying dictates of the militants and want peace to be restored in the State.

Referring to an attack by the militants at the Prime Minister’s rally venue in Srinagar yesterday, he said the people braved bullets and made it a mission to reach there.

"Situation is fast changing. Minds of the people are required to be won", he said in his brief address to a public meeting before the speech of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Describing the day as a "very important day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir", the Mufti said the people of the State had been victims of bullets for the years together.

"Now it is the duty of everyone to change their lives and create a history", he said, pointing out that no power on the Earth is bigger than the people’s power.

The Chief Minister said it was one point programme of his Government to do justice with all three regions of the State. "We are trying to do justice to all", he said referring to the powers given to Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC).

Referring to the "political success" achieved by the coalition partners during last two years of Government, he said the BJP lost both Lok Sabha seats in the Jammu region in the Parliamentary elections while in the Assembly by-poll, the partners won all four seats.

Union Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who accompanied the Prime Minister during his two days tour, observed that no one could even think that Rs 24,000 crore worth package would be given to the State,.

"Previously also, many packages were given to Jammu and Kashmir but every region complained against each other. This is for the first time that the Central Government has taken care of each region in formulating the package", Mr Azad said.

He said during last six months Congress president Sonia Gandhi had announced a number of schemes for welfare of the people and ensure their implementation.

"Even when the Congress was in opposition, Mrs Gandhi had visited all three regions of Jammu and Kashmir", he said, adding Dr Manmohan Singh also remained closely associated with Jammu and Kashmir—be it the election campaign or election manifesto.

PCC (I) president Peerzada Sayeed said the Government was committed to the implementation of Wazir Commission report and setting up of Delimitation Commission and Finance Commission.

"All promises made in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) will be implemented", he asserted.

Deputy Chief Minister Pt Mangat Ram Sharma said the coalition Government was committed to implement all promises made in the CMP one by one. "We are committed to Wazir Commission, Delimitation Commission and Finance Commission".

He said Rs 24,000 crore package will be used in all three regions of the State. Jammu region will also get a good share, he added.

Mr Sharma said the demands of Kashmiri migrants, border migrants, 1947 refugees and PoK refugees should be considered by the Government.

The Deputy Chief Minister admitted that sometimes differences did emerge between the coalition partners but added that they are amicably resolved.

Minister of State in Prime Minister Secretariat Prithvi Raj Chouhan, AICC (I) general secretary Ambika Soni and AICC (I) secretary Maj Ved Prakash were also present in the rally.

One killed, 4 hurt in Doda blast
3 ultras killed, 2 surrender

Excelsior Special Correspondent

RAJOURI/DODA, Nov 18: Two local militants were gunned down by the foreign mercenaries to thwart their attempt to surrender before security forces in Surankote tehsil in Poonch district last night.

In other incidents, a militant was killed and two others surrendered in Rajouri and Poonch districts while a civilian was killed and four others were injured in a blast at cremation ground in Doda district, official sources said.

They said the local militants of Harkat-ul-Jehad Islami (HUJI) and the foreign mercenaries of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit clashed in hilly area of Lopar Harhi in Surankote last night. The clash took place when the mercenaries objected to surrender plan by a group of local militants.

After verbal duel, both groups opened firing on each other in which two local activists of HUJI were killed. They have been identified as Mohd Akram son of Nek Mohd, a resident of Morha Bachai and Tariq Hussain son of Ghulam Hassan R/o Harhi.

The clashing ultras dispersed before arrival of security forces on spot. Slain militants were active in Surankote and other areas since 2000.

Despite the killings, two other local militants surrendered before police at Mandi in Poonch district today, DIG Rajouri-Poonch range S M Sahai said.

They have been identified as Mohd Farooq son of Haji Mohd Sadiq R/o Harhi and Mohd Ashraf son of Mohd Mishri R/o Morha Bachai. They handed over two rifles and a large quantity of ammunition and explosives at the time of surrender.

A Hizbul Mujahideen ‘commander’ Maseem Hussain alias Sher Khan son of Mulla Nadeem R/o Baluchistan, Pakistan, was gunned down by police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at village Mashnoor Konthal in Koteranka area of Budhal in Rajouri district today.

One AK rifle, one magazine, 10 rounds, one pouch and Rs 100 in Indian currency were recovered from the scene of encounter.

Two associates of Sher Khan escaped during the gun-battle, the sources said.

A civilian Mohd Hussain, a Lambardar son of Abdullah was kidnapped by the militants from his house at Upper Pangai in Thanna Mandi area of Rajouri district last night. His whereabouts remained uncertain so far.

An IED planted by the militants went off in cremation ground at village Tund in Kishtwar town of Doda district when the people had gone to cremate the bodies of two civilians, who were gunned down by the ultras on Tuesday.

A civilian was killed and four others were injured in the blast. Deceased has been identified as Lekh Raj son of Chaman Lal R/o Tund while the injured include Rajesh Kumar son of Lakshmi Chand, Daya Krishan son of Chaman Lal, Madhav Lal son of Daya Krishan and Vijay Kumar son of Balwant Raj, residents of Bhumwara.

Police and security forces rushed to the spot and shifted the victims to hospital. No arrests have been made so far.

Meanwhile, police have arrested SPO Mohd Yaqoob Gurus (No. 1194) son of Chattu Gurus R/o Talkan Dugli in Doda district for handing over his service weapon—an AK-56 rifle along with three magazines and 200 rounds to his real brother Mohd Niaz, who was earlier working as SPO but had later deserted from Banjoi-Bhaderwah police picket and joined Hizbul Mujahideen outfit.

Arrested SPO was posted at police picket Garak, Marmat and was present at his house when he handed over the weapon to his brother, who was accompanied by another militant Mohd Rafiq son of Ali Mohd, also a deserter.

PM chairs Unified Hqrs meet

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 18: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who arrived here this morning on the last leg of his two-day tour of Jammu and Kashmir, chaired a meeting of the Unified Headquarters at the Raj Bhavan.

The meeting, the first to be attended by Dr Singh in Jammu and Kashmir, discussed the overall security situation in the State.

Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S.K. Sinha, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Deputy Chief Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, GoC-in-C, Northern Command, Lt Gen Hari Prasad, GoC 15 Corps, GoC 16 Corps, Director General of Police and senior officers of the security forces attended the meeting.

Informed sources told the EXCELSIOR that top security officials told Prime Minister that infiltration has witnessed a considerable decline both in the influx and bids to cross the border.

The position regarding militancy and infiltration in Jammu and Kashmir was also conveyed to the Prime Minister during the meeting.

The sources said that Dr Singh was told that 54 attempts of infiltration were made till November this year against 157 last year.

The Prime Minister was also informed that around 350 militants were stationed at launching pads across the border at various places, waiting for an opportunity to sneak in.

Fencing of the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) has helped in curtailing the influx of terrorists, Dr Singh was told, the sources further said.

The security officers also said Dr Singh that they have been achieving success against militancy which was reflected by the increase in the number of terrorists killed, the sources said.

Later, the Prime Minister had a meeting with the State Council of Ministers led by the Chief Minister.

Hizbul for tripartite talks

ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: Pakistan-based militant group Hizbul Mujahideen has said that there should be tripartite negotiations among India, Pakistan and Kashmiris to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"It is an issue of right to self-determination. Bilateral talks either between India and Pakistan or between India and the Kashmiris cannot resolve it. Those must be tripartite with all the three parties at the negotiating table," Hizbul leader Sayed Salahuddin said in a statement.

Referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s remarks in Srinagar yesterday that his Government was ready to hold unconditional talks with anyone or everyone who abjure violence, Salahuddin said Kashmir was neither internal matter of India nor a border dispute with any other country.

Instead of offering economic package, he said, India should grant right for self determination.

Salahuddin, who also heads the United Jehad Council (UJC), a conglomerate of militant groups, said that two years back the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had offered a 1.3 billion dollar development package but that had also "failed" to change the minds of Kashmiris. (PTI)

Comments on Kashmir counter-productive: Kasuri

ISLAMABAD, Nov 18: Pakistan tonight termed as "controversial and counterproductive" Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s rejection of redrawing of boundaries to resolve the Kashmir issue and asked the Indian leaders to refrain from making such statements. "Statements of this nature caused disappointment among those people in Pakistan and India who are in favour of lasting peace in South Asia," Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri was quoted as saying by the official APP newsagency in an interview.

Kasuri said such controversial statements could strengthen the hands of extremists in both countries who were not happy with the progress that had been achieved so far. Terming Singh’s statement made during his trip to Srinagar that redrawing of borders was unacceptable to India,

Kasuri said, "Pakistan-India relations are at a very delicate stage at the moment that required careful nurturing through avoidance of statements which could prove counterproductive to the ongoing dialogue process." Responding to a question whether Singh had made the remarks due to domestic political compulsions, Kasuri said "on an issue as important as Jammu and Kashmir it was necessary to transcend such considerations".

Recalling that in September in New York, President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Singh had an "excellent" meeting, he said "one witnessed great personal chemistry between them indicating that they would trust each other to bring about durable peace in South Asia."

In the context of that atmosphere, Kasuri said he was unable to understand why it was necessary to say things that could have a negative and a dampening impact on the enthusiasm of the people of Pakistan and India and Kashmiris across the Line of Control.

He said in view of this extremely warm personal rapport, it seems that there is an apparent dichotomy between that spirit and some of the reported statements.

Kasuri’s remarks followed comments by Pakistan Foreign office spokesman Masood Khan in which he said India and Pakistan made efforts find a solution to the Kashmir issue within their stated positions.

Hoping that Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s visit to India next week and his meetings with Manmohan Singh would lead to further strengthening of the peace process, Kasuri claimed Jammu and Kashmir is "a disputed territory" which Pakistan and India have to resolve through dialogue and negotiations. "It would go to the credit of the leadership of the two countries if they showed statesmanship and courage to resolve this issue for durable peace in South Asia," he said. He said the joint statements issued after Musharraf’s meetings with former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as well as Singh had stated that the only way forward for both the countries was a peaceful negotiated settlement of the "dispute.""This itself reaffirms the disputed nature of Jammu and Kashmir," he claimed. (PTI)

2 militants, SPO killed in Valley

Excelsior Special Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Nov 18: Two militants and an SPO have died in different incidents of violence in Kashmir valley since last evening.

Official sources said that security forces intercepted a freshly infiltrating group of militants at Farkhah Gali , close to LoC, in Tangdar sector. When the militants were challenged, they opened fire and some of them are believed to have escaped. Still, troops gunned down two unidentified militants and seized two of their AK-56 rifles.

Sources said that late last evening, a group of gunmen, believed to be militants, fired upon SPO Rajab Chopan S/o Mukhta Chopan at his home at Yaru in Langet area of Kupwara district. He was rushed to Handwara hospital where he was declared brought dead.

At Drusu in Lolab valley of Kupwara district, militants ambushed a patrol party of Sector-8 of Army. An officer of the rank of Major and a local SPO, Ghulam Rasool, sustained injuries. Troops retaliated gunfire but the militants managed to escape.

In Sangam, Bijbehara, unidentified gunmen, suspected to be militants, fired upon an activist of the ruling PDP, namely Mohammad Shaban Dar. He sustained injuries. Dar was rushed to a hospital for treatment.

India hopes Pak to respond positively

NEW DELHI, Nov 18: Describing India’s unilateral decision to reduce troops in Jammu and Kashmir as a "significant" confidence building measure, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said India was hopeful that Pakistan would respond to this positively.

"Reduction of troops in J and K is a significant confidence building measure taken by India in the region and we are hopeful that our neighbour will also respond positively in this regard", he told senior officers of the armed forces and civil services attending a training course in the National Defence College here.

Observing that the country’s security pre-occupation were determined by the dynamics of global and regional security environment, Mukherjee said India’s strategic interests required "a mix of land-based, maritime and air capabilities and a minimum credible deterrent against the threat of use of nuclear weapons".

He maintained that the post-cold war and post-9/11 global scenario had brought about international convergence on security issues "though significant differences of perception and action on specifics still remain".

The Defence Minister said India and China had "stepped up efforts to build trust and confidence between their armed forces".

"Both sides are trying to address differences over the boundary question and have agreed that pending an ultimate boundary settlement, the two countries would work together to maintain peace and tranquility on their borders and continue to implement the agreement on the issue", he said. (PTI)
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

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