Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday expressed optimism about resolving the Kashmir and Naxalite problems without compromising basic principles or softening his position. His appeal to Kashmiri youths and separatists as well as Naxalites to come forward for talks does not, however, dilute the government’s stance in any way; in fact, it reaffirms the Centre’s long-held policy that any such talks be on the basis of Kashmir being “an integral part of India”, and in the case of Naxalites, that they first abjure violence.
Addressing the nation on India’s 64th Independence Day from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort here, and in the backdrop of the recent unrest in Kashmir, Dr Singh said India’s democracy had the “generosity and flexibility” to address the concerns of any group.
In his 35-minute speech, the Prime Minister also said India was willing to resolve all its differences with Pakistan through discussions, but added that such a dialogue cannot go far if terrorism emanating from that country does not end.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, we are ready to talk to every person or group which abjures violence. Kashmir is an integral part of India, and within this framework we are ready to move forward in any talks which would increase the partnership of the common man in governance and also enhance their welfare.”
Also, in an apparent reference to the economic blockade of Manipur, he said such “unpleasant incidents” could only harm the country.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Cabinet ministers and top Opposition leaders including BJP parliamentary party chairman L.K. Advani, the three service chiefs, senior bureaucrats and top diplomats were among the select audience in the VIP enclosures on the ramparts of the Red Fort as Dr Singh spoke to the nation.
The Prime Minister said it was time for “years of violence” to end now. “I believe that India’s democracy has the generosity and flexibility to be able to address the concerns of any area or group in the country. I recently participated in a meeting with political parties from Jammu and Kashmir. We will endeavour to take this process forward. I would like to convey to our countrymen, especially our citizens in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, that they should adopt democratic means to join hands with us for their and the country’s welfare.”
Turning to the Naxal issue, Dr Singh said: “Naxalism is a serious challenge to our internal security. Our government will fully discharge its responsibility to protect each and every citizen of our country. We will deal firmly with those who resort to violence. We will provide all possible help to state governments to maintain the rule of law in areas affected by Naxalism.”
The Centre and states needed to work together to meet the challenge of Naxalism, he said, adding that it would be difficult for any state to tackle this problem without the Centre’s cooperation. “We all need to rise above our personal and political interests to meet this challenge,” he said. He also appealed to the Naxalites once again to give up violence, come forward for talks with the government and “join hands with us to accelerate social and economic development”.
Noting that most Naxal-affected territory was dominated by adivasis (tribals), he said the government would help them join the mainstream of development. “They have been dependent on forest produce for centuries, and
this dependence should not end without the creation of new sources of livelihood... Apart from compensation for land acquired from them, we should also ensure that our adivasi brothers and sisters have a stake in development projects being undertaken,” he said.
Dr Singh said he had asked the Planning Commission to formulate a comprehensive scheme, and urged government officials in Naxal-affected areas to become “more sensitive”. He said: “Government officials who work there should not only be sincere, but also be alive to the special needs of our adivasi brothers and sisters.”
On Pakistan, he said he wanted to resolve differences through dialogue. “Whatever differences we have with our neighbouring countries, we want to resolve them through discussions. As far as Pakistan is concerned, we expect them not to let their territory be used for acts of terrorism against India,” Dr Singh said. “If this is not done, we cannot progress far in our dialogue with Pakistan.”
Expressing concern over the division of society in the name of religion, state, caste or language, the Prime Minister said that as the country progressed economically, society should also become more sensitive. “We should be modern and progressive in our outlook,” he said.
He also said it was important for children to be taught the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in schools. “Nutritious food and good health services are necessary but not enough for ensuring good health of our citizens. We also need cleanliness and good sanitation in our villages, towns and cities. There are many diseases which would be difficult to prevent otherwise. The truth is that our country lags behind in this area.”
Recalling that Mahatma Gandhi had said the earth “had enough for everyone’s need, but not for everyone’s greed”, Dr Singh said: “Imprudent use of the earth’s natural resources has resulted in the problem of climate change.”
He announced the constitution of two separate councils for higher education and health to speed up reforms in these areas. “We will soon bring a bill to Parliament for constitution of two separate councils in higher education and health respectively so that reforms in these areas can be accelerated,” he said.