SRINAGAR, Aug 27: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee said on Wednesday that New Delhi wanted a dialogue in Kashmir with all who shun violence and extremism, as he started a heavily-guarded visit to the held state.
Arriving in Srinagar two days after twin car bombs killed 52 people in Mumbai, Mr Vajpayee is due to meet chief ministers of India’s 28 states with the crackdown on “terrorism” expected to top the agenda.
“We will further intensify our sincere efforts to advance the dialogue process (in Kashmir),” Mr Vajpayee said as he inaugurated the conference.
“Our doors are open to all those who reject militancy and extreme positions and wish to play a constructive role in taking Kashmir forward on the high road of peace and rapid development.”
N.N. Vohra was appointed by the Vajpayee government to talk to all parties in occupied Kashmir.
Mujahideen groups have refused to talk to Mr Vohra, saying they instead want talks with Mr Vajpayee that would also involve Pakistan.
Unidentified men launched two grenade attacks in Srinagar hours into the Indian premier’s visit, with one wounding two traffic policemen and the other seriously injuring a soldier.
Mr Vajpayee, on his last trip to Srinagar in April, initiated a process of reconciliation with Pakistan after 18 months of tensions.
Home Minister Lal Kishan Advani, who flew to the conference with Mr Vajpayee, Defence Minister George Fernandes and other senior leaders, urged the chief ministers to “face the multifarious challenges of terror with solidarity and fortitude”.
“I will exhort the states to make use of this forum to discuss the problems being faced by them in their campaign against terrorism,” he said.
“This unconventional warfare is not merely a border problem or a law and order issue.
“Not only is the territorial sovereignty of our nation under threat, but the dimensions of economic devastation unleashed by the terror machine has affected our economic growth,” he said.
“The shape of our future will be determined by the success of India’s pluralistic and democratic society in destroying the ideology of bigotry and hate, which drives terrorism.”
Security is ultra-tight in Srinagar for the two-day conference, with key roads sealed between the conference centre, on Dal Lake, and the hotel where most of the dignitaries are staying.
Little traffic was plying the roads in Srinagar and most shops were closed due to general strikes called by the Mujahideen against the high-level visit.
“Conducting conferences in the (held) state will not change the nature or status of the Kashmir problem,” said a statement by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.—AFP