Text of statement issued by PMO after Manmohan Singh-Hurriyat meeting, 5 September 2005

PMO Press Release

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today met a delegation of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

The Prime Minister welcomed the resumption of dialogue between the Government of India and the APHC. He reaffirmed his faith in a peaceful resolution of all issues pertaining to J&K and said that violence had no role in a democracy. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a life of peace, self-respect and dignity for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He agreed to review all cases of those held in detention and ensure that violations of human dignity would not be tolerated and Government would take all necessary measures to safeguard against human rights violations. He agreed to the time-bound review of those held under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and POTA. The Prime Minister said that if there is a cessation of violence and an end to infiltration, conditions will be created for the reduction of armed forces.

The APHC delegation welcomed the opportunity to meet the Prime Minister and discuss issues pertaining to Jammu & Kashmir. It was felt that the dialogue process should lead to the resolution of all outstanding issues relating to J&K. The APHC delegation stressed that an honourable and durable solution should be found through dialogue. It was agreed that the only way forward is to ensure that all forms of violence at all levels should come to an end. The APHC delegation welcomed the India-Pakistan peace process and the initiatives taken so far by the Prime Minister, including the resumption of the bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad.

It was agreed to carry forward the dialogue process so that all regions and all shades of political opinion in J&K are involved. Several issues concerning the rights of people deserving the attention of the Government were raised in the meeting. The APHC stated that they would be able to bring up specific suggestions for the honourable and durable resolution of the problem of Jammu and Kashmir, at the next meeting.

Issued by Media Advisor to Prime Minister
New Delhi
September 5, 2005