President raps Pakistan for militant violence in Kashmir

President raps Pakistan for militant violence in Kashmir
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 19: President K.R.Narayanan today voiced concern over the lack of reciprocity on the part of Pakistan in furthering the peace process in Kashmir. ``It is a matter of deep distress and concern to all of us that Pakistan has not reciprocated India's sincerity. There has been no let-up in, much less an end to, cross-border terrorism and vicious anti-India propaganda, originating from Pakistani soil,'' he said, addressing a joint session of the two houses of Parliament on the opening day of the Budget session.

He said Pakistan's ``protestations about its eagerness to resume talks with India will not carry conviction so long as it allows the terrorists' guns and bombs to do the talking.''

Attacking Pakistan for ``acts of barbarism'' in Jammu and Kashmir in the garb of `jehad', Narayanan sent a clear message to Pakistan that action against terrorist organisations would continue relentlessly though the Government was ready for talks with every group that abjured violence.

Many innocent persons were losing their lives every day to acts of barbarism, he said, and ``Pakistan bears the responsibility for these acts against humanity, which are a travesty of religion.'' He was also categoricalabout strengthening India's strategic response capability further to meet any eventuality. ``India's external and internal security is the highest priority for the Government,'' he said.

The President also noted that the international community had given overwhelming support because it saw yet another demonstration of India's sincere commitment to a peaceful and permanent solution to the Kashmir issue.

In his 23-page address outlining the Government's policy for the coming year, Narayanan warned that economic reforms could derail without judicial, administrative, educational and labour reforms for achieving nine per cent growth.

Starting his address with references to the earthquake in Gujarat, he said the Government would consider the setting up of a permanent national disaster management authority with suitable statutory bodies in the states.

He also wanted stern action to be taken against the violators of rules and regulations governing construction and town planning in the wake of the destruction in Gujarat.

The President's hour-long address was marred by loud protests by Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Javare Gowda of the Janata Dal (Secular) who charged the Government with pursuing anti-farmer policies.

HIGHLIGHTS
* Nine per cent annual growth rate target for next 10 years
* National disaster management authority proposed
* Calls for political consensus on women's quota Bill
* National mission on technology education to be set up
* Private sector participation in coal mining to be allowed
* Nine new export zones to be set up