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| PM speaks on Shopian | | Committed to zero tolerance to rights violations: Manmohan | | Early Times Report
On Board PM's Special Aircraft, June 17: Against the backdrop of uproar in Kashmir over the alleged rape of two girls, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday said his government is committed to 'zero tolerance' against rights violations and effective action will be taken in such cases.
Responding to a question on the Shopian rape case, he said it was "very unfortunate" that such incidents have taken place.
"If there is any violation of human rights, we will take effective action," he told journalists, adding that the government was committed to 'zero tolerance' to rights violations.
Kashmir has witnessed protests and demonstrations for several days over the alleged rape of two girls, suspectedly by some security personnel.
Dr. Singh, who was speaking while returning from his three-day visit to Yekaterinburg in Russia, said he has promised the state Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that once the new central government settles down, it would take a fresh look at the problems on account of development.
He said the reconstruction and development plan would be upgraded.
On the political aspect of Jammu and Kashmir, he said he stands ready to engage in dialogue with any group, including those who are not in political mainstream, an apparent reference to separatist Hurriyat Conference.
"I have not given up hope on Jammu and Kashmir," Dr. Singh said.
"We would be happy to engage in dialogue with any group which is interested in talking. That option remains. We will welcome even those who are not in the political mainstream. If they have any views, they are welcome to give," Dr. Singh said.
Recalling that he had two rounds of talks with Hurriyat Conference, the Prime Minister said they had promised to send proposals on resolution of Kashmir issue but never sent those.
They had also said that too many people had been detained without any reason, Dr. Singh said, adding when asked for the list, they never gave one.
At the same time, he said, "I am not complaining. We are willing to engage in dialogue with anyone who is ready to shun violence."
On the demands for revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Singh said Home Minister P Chidambaram had made some "important statement about deployment of forces" in the state. The Prime Minister did not speak further on it. Mr. Chidambaram had favoured giving state police greater role in policing and gradual phase-out of central para-military forces from such duties.
Asked whether troops would be reduced on the Indo-Pak border, Dr. Singh said it is a "matter of functional necessity" and he would not like to speculate in public "on what we should do or what they will be doing".
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