New Delhi: Carrying forward its peace process, the Centre today (Nov 29, 2004) outlined a nine-point strategy that included initiation of dialogue with all groups in Jammu and Kashmir, especially those which shunned violence, to achieve the twin-objective of peace and development in the militancy-hit State.

The other salient features of this strategy include promotion of interaction with people of Pakistan and pursuing of opening of Jammu-Sialkot, Uri-Muzaffarbad and Kargil- Skardu roads, a Home Ministry spokesman said in New Delhi.

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While Sialkot is in Pakistan, Muzaffarabad is the capital of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and Skardu lies in the Northern Areas controlled by Islamabad.

"This would help people-to-people contacts and open up trade," he said.

The strategy was finalised following Home Minister Shivraj Patil visit to J and K earlier this month during which he met a cross-section of the people there, the spokesman said.

As part of the measures, communication equipment, gadgets, weaponry and ammunition and training in skills and technology for security forces and intelligence agencies would be upgraded.

Besides initialising a dialogue with all groups in J and K, especially those which eschewed the path of violence, the strategy talked about accelerating economic development, promoting culture, tackling unemployment and public grievance, avoiding human rights violation by security forces and intensifying involvement of media in the process of reconstruction in the State.

On accelerating economic development, the spokesman said the Centre would ensure "balanced" development of the three regions of J and K-- Jammu, Kashmir valley and Ladakh.

This would also include expediting completion of infrastructure projects-railways, roads and power, fuller implementation of schemes for development of agriculture, horticulture, tourism, trade, handicrafts and industries with emphasis on provision of basic necessities like drinking water, education, healthcare, woman empowerment and creation of employment opportunities. The strategy would also focus on preserving and promoting cultural uniqueness of J and K.

Another key area would be creating employment in J and K by raising additional battalions of India Reserve Battalions, central paramilitary forces and Army from remote and border areas of J and K to prevent alienation of the youth.

On avoidance of human rights violations, the spokesman said prompt and transparent enquiries, strict action against offenders, reiteration of instruction and training on humane behaviour by security forces will be undertaken.

There would be "intense involvement of media in the process of reconstruction," he said.

Patil had paid a three-day visit to J and K from November 6 along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and top officials.