Replication of W Asia-type unrest not possible in India: PM

New Delhi, Feb 16 (PTI) The situation in West Asia andrecent violent incidents in Egypt are a matter of concern forIndia but replication of such events is not possible in anypart of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, PrimeMinister Manmohan Singh said today.

"Whatever happens in the Gulf or in West Asia includingthe countries mentioned (Egypt) is a matter of concern to us...No (replication of such events is not possible in India),because India is a functioning democracy," Singh said whenasked if Middle East-type unrest can surface in any part ofIndia -- in Kashmir, North-East or Maoist-controlled areas.

The Prime Minister said, "We have five million Indians inthe Gulf countries and if peace is not prevalent, if orderlyprocesses of management of economy and polity breaks down,that could effect this vital community of Indians, who areworking and contributing to development of countries of WestAsia."

Asserting that India is a functioning democracy wherepeople already have a right to change government and it has afree press, Singh said "...There is no question that thingsthat have happened in Egypt and other Arab countries can bereplicated in India."

On India''s position on recent developments in Egypt, thePrime Minister said people of Egypt want to move towards theprocess of democratisation and they have "our good wishes andthat is true of all countries. We are a functioning democracy.

Though we do not believe it is our business to advise othercountries, we welcome the dawn of democracy everywhere." PTIPYK