The Centre’s new buzzword for J-K is development with peace and it is willing to talk to any separatist group willing to shun violence.In the wake of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the state, the Government has finalised a nine-point strategy to carry forward the peace process. This includes promotion of interaction with people in Pakistan and opening of the Jammu-Sialkot, Uri-Muzaffarbad and Kargil-Skardu roads.A Ministry of Home Affairs statement said it ‘‘would help people-to-people contacts and open up trade.’’ Home Minister Shivraj Patil had met a cross-section of people during his visit to the state earlier this month. ‘‘Based on his interactions and intelligence and security inputs, the strategy was finalised,’’ an official said.In addition to initiating a dialogue with all separatist groups, the strategy talks about accelerating economic growth, promoting culture, tackling unemployment and public grievances, avoiding human rights violations by security forces and increasing involvement of media in the process of reconstruction. The emphasis would be on preserving and promoting the cultural uniqueness of J-K.On economic development, the statement says the Centre would ensure a ‘‘balanced development’’ of the three regions — Jammu, Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. This would include expediting completion of infrastructure projects — railways, roads and power.Proper implementation of development schemes has also been envisaged. This entails giving a fillip to agriculture, horticulture, tourism, trade, handicraft and industries, with emphasis on provision of basic necessities like drinking water, education, healthcare, woman empowerment and creation of employment opportunities. More jobs would be generated by raising additional reserve battalions with youths from remote areas of the state.In order to tackle human rights violations, the Ministry has decide to initiate prompt and transparent enquiries, strict action against offenders, reiteration of instruction and training on humane behaviour by security forces.
