Chidambaram says centre will consult all groups in Kashmir for a solution

Srinagar, Oct 14 (ANI): Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Wednesday said that Government would follow the policy of quiet diplomacy to find a solution to the problem in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the All India Editors Conference on Social and Infrastructure here, Chidambaram said: "The Government recognizes that there are different shades of opinion in the State and will hold consultations with all sections."

"The whole effort would be quiet until the contours of a political solution to the problem are found. This is essential to take the process forward," he added.

Chidambaram said that the ultimate solution must be honourable and acceptable to the vast majority of people of Jammu and Kashmir and must recognize the unique history and geography of the State.

On the security situation in the State, he said that there has been a marked improvement.

"The number of violent incidents in the first nine months of the current year was 395 which is the lowest during the period in the last 8-9 years. The Government's approach to violence in Jammu and Kashmir is of zero tolerance," he added.

Elaborating on the issue of infiltration, Chidambaram said that it was a major cause for increased violence in Jammu and Kashmir.

"A major cause of the continuing violence in Jammu and Kashmir is the cross border infiltration from the other side. Infiltrators are being trained and assisted by Pakistan," he said.

"Jammu and Kashmir is the most valuable state in the country and there is no space for problems in the state. The security situation in the valley has improved over the last few months but violence is still very much a reality. There is a need to find a solution for problems in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

On the developmental front, he said that mechanisms have been put in place to speed up the execution of various projects under the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan.

He said the solution, on which the government is working, would be honorable, equitable and acceptable to the vast majority of the people in the state.

"Secretaries from Government of India will visit the state from next month to oversee the implementation of the package in the areas like agriculture, health, education, tourism and employment generating industries," he added. (ANI)