Date:20/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/20/stories/2003042004530800.htm

National

Let us not repeat mistakes: Vajpayee

By Shujaat Bukhari

The Jammu and Kashmir Governor, G.C. Saxena, presenting a shawl to the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, during the 16th annual convocation of the Kashmir University in Srinagar on Saturday. — Photo: Nissar Ahmad

SRINAGAR APRIL 19. Admitting that New Delhi had often faltered in the journey towards restoring normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, today called for a resolve not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

Addressing the 16th Convocation of Kashmir University here, Mr. Vajpayee said, "today, our sincere commitment to bring peace and normalcy (to the State) makes me admit that we have often faltered in our journey towards this goal". It was sometimes forgotten that democracy was too delicate a plant to be subjected to manipulations and mishandling, he said adding "we must learn from these mistakes and resolve not repeat them. We should look to the future with a constructive approach and not remain obsessed with the acrimonies and unrealistic goals of the past".

Pointing out that the large participation of people in last year's Assembly elections had provided a ray of hope, he said, "they gave a ringing verdict against the militancy and terrorist violence unleashed against us from across the border for the past decade. Defying threats and violence, they turned out in impressive numbers to exercise their franchise". The Centre had fulfilled its promise of holding free and fair elections and "the verdict has clearly shown that the vast majority of the people are fed up with the violence". Complimenting the State Government for taking good initiatives, he said, "the elections have given us (a) great opportunity to build upon the positive elements in the current situation". "We have also started a process of talks with the elected representatives and other sections of public opinion in the State. I believe and would like one and all in Jammu and Kashmir to share this belief that there is no problem which cannot be resolved peacefully and democratically."

Without elaborating, the Prime Minister said this convocation was taking place at an important point — almost a turning point — in the State's history. "My current visit has reinforced my belief that darkness and despair are, indeed, departing; that light and hope are, indeed, arriving". Equating the three regions of Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh with the unity in diversity of India, he said, "secular democracy has further strengthened our nationhood". The destiny of the people of Jammu and Kashmir was inseparably tied to India's destiny, he said adding "let there be no doubt that a bright future awaits us". Mr. Vajpayee urged reputed non-governmental institutions to come forward and help the development process in Kashmir and promised full support in establishing more professional institutions and Kendriya Vidyalayas in the State.

The Governor and Chancellor, G. C. Saxena, awarded gold medals to the toppers in various subjects. The Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, the Infosys chairman, N. R. Narayana Murthy, and the Vice-Chancellor, Jalees Khan Tareen, also spoke.