Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today chose a large election rally in Kashmir to remind Pakistan that it has to go after those behind the Mumbai terror attacks: “Our desire to normalise relations with Pakistan will not be fulfilled unless it stops the use of its land for terrorist acts against our country”.

Many in the Valley were reminded of a speech five years ago by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he chose Kashmir to offer a hand of friendship to Pakistan with similar demands.

Singh began his speech with Eid greetings and congratulated people for their massive participation in the ongoing Assembly elections. “Your interest in elections is proof that you have full faith in democracy,” he told this one-time stronghold of separatists.

“It has always been my view that both countries (India and Pakistan) need to build their relationship together through mutual understanding. We want to make our relations normal with Pakistan,” he said. “You all know what happened in Mumbai recently. It is evident that there are a few people in Pakistan who are ready to conduct such bloody attacks on our country.” He said the fight against terrorism with continue with full preparation.

Then he brought up Kashmir. “We want that a solution for J&K and all other issues are achieved in a peaceful atmosphere through friendly dialogue. We cannot alter the borders but we can reduce unnecessary restrictions along them and we can minimise their importance,” he said. This had the crowd cheering.

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