J&K thaw: PM lifts freeze on Govt’s hiring

Yesterday, in his public rally at Srinagar, several young men in the audience loudly protested that the Centre should lift the freeze on gov...

Yesterday, in his public rally at Srinagar, several young men in the audience loudly protested that the Centre should lift the freeze on government recruitments. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh listened.

In a rally at Jammu’s Parade Ground today, Singh announced the lifting of the ban on the jobs for Jammu and Kashmir and said that every year 10,000 jobs in the security forces and development projects will be provided for the youth of the state.

‘‘This ban imposed on jobs in the country will not apply for Jammu and Kashmir as there are no resourecs for employment and the youth are facing problems in getting jobs in the state,’’ Singh said.

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Singh said the Centre and the Mufti government had jointly prepared a comprehensive plan to give a fillip to development and reconstruction activities in the state.

‘‘Efforts would be made to make the state power surplus in the next four years by strengthening transmission, distribution and generation with special emphasis on micro hydro-electric power projects,’’ Singh said.

If lifting the ban on hiring was the new strand in his economic package for the state, on the political front, the Prime Minister very much reiterated what he had said in the Valley yesterday.

Aware that his CBM of troop-reduction had already started, he made it clear that there would be no compromise on terrorism. ‘‘Those who want to fulfil their political ends with the help of terrorism will not succeed.’’

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	Ties in delicate stage, Singh’s remarks avoidable: Pak

			• Pak Foreign Minister Kasuri says Manmohan Singh disappointed by making remarks rejecting redrawing of boundaries. ‘‘Relations are at a very delicate stage that requires careful nurturing, avoidance of statements which can be counter-productive’’ • Ahead of PM Aziz’s trip, Musharraf holds a high-level meeting to review issues

Later, at a press conference before he left for Delhi, Singh admitted that the troop cut was a ‘‘calculated risk’’ but added that it was ‘‘within the limits.’’

On the disquiet in the Hurriyat, the PM said: ‘‘In my speech I have invited all political parties, the government of J&K, people even outside the political system, and those within civil society to give us the benefit of their advice. What more invitation can anybody give?’’

Asked about the Hurriyat’s request that they be allowed to visit Pakistan, he said: ‘‘I do not accept any pre-condition on the part of anyone. It is not fair to put conditions to me that I will travel here or there before talking to us. It is not fair.’’

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When asked about the contours of the dialogue with Pakistan given that yesterday he ruled out ‘‘redrawing the map’’ and a ‘‘division,’’ he said: ‘‘What is not negotiable is redrawing of borders and second partition. Subject to this, there is wide scope for dialogue. I still believe it is possible to have purposeful and meangingful negotiations within the limits I have set.’’