Concerned PM says grievances of Kashmiris need to be addressed

New Delhi, Sept 13 (PTI) Voicing concern over the unrest
in Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on
Monday sought to reach out to the people there, saying their
grievances have to be addressed and promised talks within the
Indian Constitution with those who abjure violence.
As his government weighs options to deal with the
situation in Kashmir, Singh emphasised on the need for better
delivery of services and generating avenues for economic
advancement of the people of the state.
"Unrest in the state of Jammu and Kashmir over the last
few weeks is a matter of concern. The youth of Kashmir are our
citizens and their grievances have to be addressed," he told
top commanders of the armed forces at a conference here.
"We are willing to talk to every person or group which
abjures violence, within the framework of our Constitution,"
he said.
Singh, however, made no mention of the controversial
Armed Forces Special Powers Act (Act), whose withdrawal from
the state is being sought by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The Prime Minister is expected to discuss this issue at
the Cabinet Committee on Security.
Army, supported by Defence Minister A K Antony, is
strongly opposed to the revocation or dilution of the law,
arguing that the situation in the state was not conducive for
such a step.
Antony had articulated these views at the Congress Core
Committee meeting chaired by party chief Sonia Gandhi last
Friday. The group was divided on the issue, with Home Minister
P Chidambaram backing the proposal for partial withdrawal of
the special law that gives sweeping powers and immunity to the
security personnel. (MORE) PTI NCB RET
MRD


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