New Delhi: Asserting that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir was improving, Prime
Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on February 8 asked the state government to strengthen
the atmosphere of peace by dealing firmly with militants who want to disturb peace
in the state.
"Much to the discomfort of the anti-Indian forces, the situation in the state is
improving. The Assembly elections in October last year saw a big turnout of voters
despite the atmosphere of fear and violence sought to be created by Pakistani
groups," he told the Chief Ministers conference on internal security.
Stating that the successful completion of the elections was a victory of the
country's Democracy, Vajpayee said the immediate task of the state government was to
strive to fulfil the legitimate aspirations of the people through a two-fold
response.
"One, to strengthen the atmosphere of peace by dealing firmly with those intent to
disturbing it, and secondly, to vigorously implement all developmental, welfare and
employment generating programmes," he said.
Vajpayee said the experience in Punjab showed that the battle against terrorism
entered a positive phase when people helped and actively isolated the militants.
"This is what needs to be achieved in the Kashmir Valley. The Central government
remains committed to providing all necessary support to the state government for
these two purposes," he said.
PTI
