PM reaches out to Pak, offers talks to Naxals on I-Day

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that he wants to resolve differences with Pakistan through dialogue but much progress cannot be made unless terrorism emanating from its territory ends.

"Whatever differences we have with our neighbouring countries, we want to resolve them through discussions. As far as Pakistan is concerned, we expect from them that they would not let their territory be used for acts of terrorism against India," Singh said addressing the nation from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort on the 64th Independence Day.

He said India has been emphasising this in all its discussions with Pakistan. "If this is not done, we cannot progress far in our dialogue with Pakistan," Singh said. He underlined that India wants prosperity, peace and harmony in its neighbouring countries.

Recalling his recent talks with political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, the prime minister said it would be his endeavour to take this process forward and the government was ready to talk to every person or group which abjures violence.

Asserting that Kashmir was an integral part of India, Singh said, "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."

He expressed "deep regret" over the recent cycle of violence in Jammu and Kashmir in which young men lost their lives. "The years of violence should now end. Such violence would not benefit anyone. 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," Singh said.

In an apparent reference to the economic blockade of Manipur, the prime minister said such "unpleasant incidents" can only harm the country. He underlined that discussion and dialogue were the only options to resolve complex issues and offered to take forward every process of talks which could lead to progress in resolution of problems.

"I would like to convey to our countrymen, especially our citizens in Jammu and Kashmir and in the North East, that they should adopt democratic means to join hands with us for their and the country's welfare," Singh said.

The prime minister said naxalism has emerged as a serious challenge to internal security and there was need to rise above "personal and political interests" to tackle the menace. Dwelling in detail on the naxal menace, the prime minister asked the rebels to abjure violence and come for talks with the government.

"I once again appeal to naxalites to abjure violence, come for talks with the Government and join hands with us to accelerate social and economic development," he said.

At the same time, he said that his government 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," Singh said.

Noting that most of the naxal affected areas are dominated by adivasis (tribals), he said it would be the endeavour of his government that they 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 adequate compensation for land which is acquired from them, we should also ensure that our adivasi brothers and sisters have a stake in the developmental project being undertaken," the prime minister said.

Singh said he had asked the the Planning Commission to formulate a comprehensive scheme in this regard, which the government would implement fully.

The prime minister also asked officials serving in naxal affected areas to be "more sensitive".

"The government officials who work there should not only be sincere but should also be alive to the special needs of our adivasi brothers and sisters," he said.

Observing that his government wanted the fruits of development to reach the 'aam aadmi', the prime minister said that his government has initiated programmes specially targeted to the welfare of the socially and economically backwards sections of the society.

He said the government stood committed to the welfare of the poor, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, minorities, women and other backward sections of the society."But today we do not need many new programmes to achieve our goals. However, we do need to implement the schemes we have already started more effectively, minimising the chances of corruption and misuse of public money," Singh said.

Underlining the importance of improving the quality of health and education, the prime minister announced constitution of two separate councils for higher education and health to accelerate reforms in these sectors.

"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 two areas can be accelerated," he said.

Singh noted that the Ggovernment has enacted the Right to Education which will help every Indian to share the benefits of the country's economic progress and also to contribute to it.

The prime minister said his government had also taken initiative for reservation for women in Parliament and in State legislatures to ensure equal partnership of the fairer sex in the country's progress.

Describing secularism as one of the pillars of the country's democracy, Singh his government was committed to maintain communal peace and harmony.

"We also consider it our duty to protect the minorities and provide for their special needs. This is why we have started many new programmes in the last four years for the welfare of the minority communities," he said.

Singh listed scholarships for minority students and special programmes for the development of districts which have a high concentration of minorities among initiatives of his government for these communities.

"These schemes have shown good results. We will vigorously take this work forward," he said.Expressing concern over the division of society in the name of religion, state, caste or language, the prime minister said as the country progresses economically, the society should also become more sensitive.

"We should be modern and progressive in our outlook," he said.

Noting that it was the primary responsibility of all Indians to maintain cleanliness and hygiene around them, Singh urged that children 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," he said.

"I would like our children to be taught the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in schools from the very beginning under a campaign for a Clean India," Singh said

The prime minister said his government would endeavour to take care of environmental concerns in its economic development projects.

Recalling that Mahatma Gandhi had said that the earth "had enough for everyone's need but not for everyone's greed", he added "Imprudent use of the earth's natural resources has resulted in the problem of climate change."

"We need to use our natural resources with care and prudence. It is our responsibility towards the coming generations to protect and preserve our forests, rivers and mountains," Singh said.

Image: PM Manmohan Singh addresses the Nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi.

Photograph: PIB