Srinagar: Promising a "constructive approach" devoid of "acrimonies and unrealistic
goals of the past", Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on April 19 affirmed the
Centre's commitment to a dialogue with elected representatives and other sections of
public opinion in Jammu and Kashmir to resolve issues peacefully and democratically.
Candidly admitting that mistakes had been made in the past, Vajpayee told the 16th
convocation of Kashmir University, "It was sometimes forgotten that Democracy is too
delicate a plant to be subjected to manipulation and mishandling. We must learn from
these mistakes and resolve not to repeat them."
He hailed the "heroic and unmistakable manner" in which the people of Jammu and
Kashmir gave a ringing verdict against militancy and terrorist violence from across
the border for the past decade and more.
"Defying threats and violence, they turned out in impressive numbers to exercise
their franchise," he said.
"My current visit to Kashmir has reinforced my belief that darkness and despair are,
indeed, departing; that light and hope are, indeed arriving. Indeed one such bright
ray of hope was visible when the people of Jammu and Kashmir expressed their will in
a heroic and unmistakable manner in the Assembly elections held six months ago," he
said.
PTI
