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...