Monday, August 15 2005 10:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: While calling everyone in Jammu and Kashmir to come forward for a dialogue, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today (Aug 15, 2005) made it clear that the response would be "hard" if violence continued in the State.

Speaking from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort on the occasion of the 59th Independence Day, the Prime Minister said Jammu and Kashmir was once again "on the path of peace and progress.

"It is our humanitarian obligation that we assist the State in all possible ways so that the people there can live in peace and harmony," he said.

While making it clear that terrorists have never been the friends of the people of Kashmir, Singh said, "As long as they continue their terrorist attacks, our Armed Forces will be alert and give them a fitting response.

"In this conflict, common citizens may also be affected at times. I have said before and I am repeating once again, that there is no issue that cannot be resolved through a process of discussion and dialogue.

Our doors are always open and will continue to be open for anyone interested in dialogue. I invite everyone to join us to discuss the problems of the state of Jammu and Kashmir so that its people can lead a life of peace and dignity.

If violence continues, then our response too will be hard, the Prime Minister said.

Referring to terrorism and extremism, development and security, the Prime Minister said the country has managed to face extremism successfully through a democratic process.

However, it is imperative that a democratic Government should be able to differentiate between the genuine problems of people and the designs of terrorists, Singh said in his second address from the Red Fort.

He said there were number of challenges in the security environment of the country like terrorism, communal violence, atrocities on women and exploitation of Dalits and adivasis.

"Our security forces have been facing the daunting task of controlling extremist violence admirably. Extremism is a challenge which requires a united response from all of us," he said but added that it was also necessary to look at a political resolution of this problem.

"Often extremism has its roots in backwardness and lack of economic development," he said, adding by addressing it in all its dimensions social, political, economic and security in an integrated manner, "I am confident that we will be successful in checking it."