Amarnath secular icon, divisive politics on it can threaten our unity: PM

Addressing the nation on the 62nd Independence Day, the Prime Minister urged all political parties to come together and keep the “long-term interests of Jammu and Kashmir in view.”

“Dividing people in the name of religion can complicate these issues further which can also pose a threat to the unity and integrity of the country. I appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to cooperate with us in establishing peace in the State,” the Prime Minister said in his address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort.

In a 45-minute speech, Singh talked about inflation, the Indo-US nuclear deal, the threat of terrorism, the Pay Commission and welfare schemes of the government. He also mentioned India’s first spacecraft to the moon that is scheduled to take off later this year.

“If this issue of terrorism is not addressed, all the good intentions that we have for our two peoples to live in peace and harmony will be negated. We will not be able to pursue the peace initiatives we want to take,” the PM said. Singh also referred to the Terror attacks in Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Jaipur and said that the Government needed to strengthen its intelligence agencies and police forces to tackle the growing problem of terrorism.

“We will examine the functioning of our intelligence agencies and police and security forces and take all possible steps to equip them to tackle this challenge. Whatever resources are required, will be provided,” he said.

Singh said the price rise is mainly due to external factors and the economy must grow at the rate of at least 10 per cent every year to ensure employment for all. He said that the Inflation rate in India is not as high as other countries and his government has taken steps to insulate the poorer sections of the society from the full impact of rising food and fuel prices.

The Prime Minister said that with a required economy growth of 10 per cent each year, India needs to find alternative sources of energy. Commending the efforts of Indian atomic scientists, Singh said that the country’s nuclear energy programme has suffered due to sanctions and the nuclear deal would end India’s nuclear isolation. “It will open up new opportunities for trade in dual-use high technologies and nuclear materials and equipment, opening up new pathways to accelerate industrialisation of our country. It will enable us to provide electricity to meet the needs of our farmers, our artisans, our traders and our industry,” he said.

Singh said that to ensure industrial development does not have an adverse impact on rural sector, the government has formulated a new Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy and would seek Parliament’s approval for it.