Dialogue under ‘constitutional framework’ only way forward: PM

Srinagar: Terming Jammu and Kashmir a complex issue, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday said resolution of all problems under a constitutional framework was the only way forward.  “A group of interlocutors was appointed to facilitate a continuous dialogue with all sections of the people of the State. There is no way forward but sustained dialogue and the resolution of all problems under a constitutional framework, that I believe has the flexibility to accommodate honourable and durable solutions for all,” Prime Minister said while speaking at the convocation of the SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology in Jammu.    He said that government of India recognizes “genuine political, social and emotional grievances” of the people and asserted that New Delhi was honestly trying to address these issues.“The visit of the all party delegation to the State last year was intended to bring about a national consensus on some of the important problems of the State. The problems of Jammu and Kashmir are complex and each of the regions of the State – whether it is Kashmir, Jammu or Ladakh — have their own problems which require attention.”  On relations with Pakistan, the Prime Minister said that New Delhi wish to resolve all outstanding issues through “friendly dialogue and constructive and purposeful negotiations.”  “I said recently in Parliament that this sub-continent of ours will not realize its full development potential unless relations between India and Pakistan are normalized. Despite all the problems, we have decided to resume the dialogue process. We will enter these talks with an open mind.”“We will always keep the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in our minds. We are willing to discuss all issues that have a bearing on the peace, dignity and well-being of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.”  The Prime Minister, however, New Delhi cannot forget what happened in Mumbai. “I urge the Government of Pakistan to leave no stone unturned to bring the culprits to book. The activities of extremist groups in Pakistan are a source of concern. But I believe that there is a growing conviction in Pakistan among the thinking segments of the population that something serious needs to be done to curb the influence of these groups on Pakistani society and polity.”He said that Islamabad should take strong and resolute action against these groups while underlining it was the interest of Pakistan, the region and the world at large.He said that peace, development and prosperity in South Asia depend on peace, development and prosperity in each country of the region.He also announced that a few months, South Asian University in New Delhi will be inaugurated. “The South Asian University is intended to tap the vast reservoir of intellectual talent in South Asia. It seeks to strengthen our South Asian identity by building fraternal bonds through academic exchanges and by learning about each other. Leading universities such as the Sher-e-Kashmir University should think in terms of expanding their academic horizons by promoting regional studies and exchanges with other countries in the region.”On development of Jammu and Kashmir, he said that Government of India had set up Special Task Forces on the Jammu and Ladakh regions. “While the reports of these Task Forces are being considered in consultation with the State Government, the Government of India has already made a budget provision of Rs. 250 crores for implementation of identified projects in Jammu and Ladakh regions.”He also announced that New Delhi has decided to approve a plan for the modification/expansion of the airport terminal building of Jammu Civil Enclave at an approximate cost of Rs. 70 crore. “This will enhance the passenger-handling capacity to 700 passengers at a time.”On Panchayat polls, he expressed contentment the State Government has committed itself to early conduct of the elections. “This will deepen the roots of democracy and ensure greater public participation in governance. But these bodies can only function effectively if there is adequate provision of funds, functions and functionaries. I urge the State Government to take early action in this regard.”  About the SK University, he said the varsity would need to play a vital role in the exploitation of the vast potential of the agriculture-related sectors in the Jammu region. “We have to give focussed attention to raising productivity of products that Jammu is known for such as R.S. Pura basmati, Bhaderwahi rajmah, Kishtwari saffron, anardana and Bakarwali goat. The Government of India had provided this university with an infrastructure grant of Rs 68 crore which I hope has been well utilized. It gives me great pleasure to announce a further grant of Rs 32 crore to the university.”The Prime Minister also congratulated graduating students from the SK University. “I wish them all the very best for the future. I sincerely hope that they will be able to contribute handsomely to the agricultural development of their state and their country.”