Srinagar: In a major peace initiative, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday sought to encourage Kashmiri militants, who had crossed over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), to return.
While assuring them that their cases would be reviewed, he also promised "zero tolerance" to custodial deaths.
Addressing the second Roundtable conference on Kashmir, Singh suggested the institutionalisation of arrangement to bring people from both sides of divided Jammu and Kashmir closer.
Singh pointed out that there were two dimensions to the J &K problem, "one is the relationship between Delhi and Srinagar and the other is the relationship between Delhi and Islamabad. These two dimensions are, of course, different but each affects the other."
The Prime Minister, who is in Srinagar amid spurt in terror attacks, issued a stern warning to "some elements" within the state who are out to disrupt peace.
He expressed government's resolve to protect people from terrorist attacks and asked the security forces to deal with terrorism 'firmly but humanely' while observing human rights.
"In the light of changing environment, we are reviewing the cases of all detainees. Included in this is a review of cases of those (who) crossed over (to PoK) after violating our laws and who are now anxious to come home," Singh said addressing the Roundtable attended by 30 leaders, including representatives of PDP, National Conference, Congress and Panthers Party.
The announcement assumes significance as there have been reports that many Kashmiri youth who had taken to militancy and crossed over to PoK were keen to return home.
Talking about bringing about prosperity on both sides of the LoC, the Prime Minister asked the participants of the two-day Roundtable to focus their discussions on how to institutionalise arrangements which can bring people from both sides of the divide closer to each other.
"We wish that those highways (between two parts of J and K divided by LoC) which are opening up between the two areas on both sides should be used not only for travel or tourism but also for trade and commerce," Singh said.
Those who attended the conclave included Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference patron Farooq Abdullah and party president Omar Abdullah.
Singh invited suggestions on political institutions and arrangements which can strengthen the relationship between the state and the Centre and how different regions in the state can be brought closer to each other while recognising their distinct identities.
Among other suggestions invited was about the steps needed to restore public self-confidence.
Singh asked the participants of the Roundtable to focus on security of people, human rights and governance.
Underlining that there should be "zero tolerance" for custodial deaths, he said some "shameful" acts have occurred in the state which have no place in democratic governance.
"It is possible and desirable that you should be firm but humane, effective and efficient, in control but inobtrusive," Singh said while addressing the chiefs of army and para-military forces during the Unified Command meeting.
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