M A I N   N E W S

PM offers talks to youth in Kashmir
Ashok Tuteja/TNS

Manmohanspeak The youth of Kashmir are our citizens and their grievances have to be addressed We are willing to talk within the framework of the Constitution to every group which abjures violence The is committed to the modernisation of the country’s armed forces. Calls for developing border infrastructure as part of the defence preparedness If the country was to sustain a growth rate of 9 pc to 10 pc, it required foreign capital inflow

New Delhi, September 13
As violence continued unabated in the valley, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today extended olive branch to the youth in Jammu and Kashmir, offering to hold talks with them within the ambit of the Constitution provided they eschew violence.

“The youth of Kashmir are our citizens and their grievances have to be addressed. We have to ensure better delivery of services and generate avenues for economic advancement for the people of that state,’’ he said ahead of a crucial meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to discuss the situation in the state.

Addressing the Combined Commanders’ Conference, the Prime Minister said the Centre was concerned over the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir over the last few weeks. “We are willing to talk to every person or group which abjures violence, within the framework of our Constitution.’’

Underlining that no country could progress without ensuring its security and territorial integrity, Prime Minister declared his government’s commitment to the modernisation of the country’s armed forces. “Defence modernisation is a complex task. If it is to be effective, it must involve the full chain starting with updating our war fighting doctrines to meet new threats to our security, preparation of appropriate staff quality requirements and creating a broad-based production and delivery infrastructure on the ground,’’ he said.

He said the country would consistently accord priority to issues related to equipment, training and welfare of the soldiers and ex-servicemen. “We will do all that is necessary to ensure that the armed forces attract the best talent in the country.’’ Commending the professionalism displayed by the armed forces, the Prime Minister called for developing border infrastructure as part of the defence preparedness. “This involves not just our land borders but also ensuring appropriate coastal security. Several measures have been taken and are under way but it is important that all ministries and departments work in close coordination to ensure timely implementation of existing plans.’’ He said if the country was to sustain a growth rate of 9 per cent to 10 per cent in the foreseeable future, it required foreign capital inflow, both portfolio and direct investment, the best of modern technology and access to markets of the advanced economies. “We have to modernise our infrastructure. For all this, we need to maintain healthy relations with all major powers.’’

Observing that some of the country’s toughest challenges lay in its immediate neighbourhood, he said India could not realise its growth ambitions unless peace and stability was ensured in South Asia.