The Hindu : Front Page : Manmohan warns against divisive politics

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Saturday, Aug 16, 2008
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Manmohan warns against divisive politics

`Amarnath is a shining example of our secular traditions'

Photo: Rajeev Bhatt

EMPHATIC: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day on Friday. —

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday warned that "divisive politics will lead us nowhere" in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 62nd Independence Day, he cautioned those involved in the current crisis in Jammu and Kashmir that "dividing people in the name of religion can complicate these issues further which can also pose a threat to the unity and integrity of the country."

The Prime Minister said "this shrine [Amarnath} is a shining example of our secular traditions, where Hindu pilgrims have been looked after for years by their Muslim brothers."

The question of providing the best facilities to the yatris could best be addressed in "an atmosphere of peace and goodwill."

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, senior Cabinet colleagues, members of the diplomatic corps, the top military brass, and many distinguished citizens were at present.

Dr. Singh returned many times to the theme of harmful divisiveness in discussing the challenges posed by "terrorism, extremism, communalism and fundamentalism" to the nation's unity. He said these threats could be dealt with only if there was "unity of purpose."

"This requires a politics of consensus, not confrontation. This requires dialogue among communities, not discord."

He argued that "a nation divided" could not meet the threat of communalism and terrorism, nor could "a society divided" resolve the problem of environmental and ecological destruction, nor could "a people divided" address the challenge of economic modernisation and social development of all sections of society.

Addressing himself to Pakistan's new leadership, he warned that "we will not be able to pursue the peace initiatives we want to take" if terrorism continued to remained uncontained. Making a special reference of the blasts in Indian embassy in Kabul, he said: "I have personally conveyed my concern and disappointment to the Government of Pakistan."

This is the fifth Independence Day Dr. Singh is unfurling the Tricolour at the Red Fort.

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