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Indian-Kashmir peace call
By CNN's Mukhtar Ahmad
SRINAGAR, Indian Controlled Kashmir (CNN) -- The newly-elected administration in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir called on the central government in New Delhi to take steps to bring what it calls a "durable peace" to the state. Addressing the inaugural session of the legislature on Thursday, state governor G.C. Saxena urged the Indian government to initiate a "serious, result-oriented unconditional dialogue with elected representatives and others." The governor is New Delhi's nominee in the state, but his address to the legislature represents a policy statement of the new coalition government. That alliance took power in Jammu and Kashmir after the pro-New Delhi National Conference party was unseated in the four-stage state elections held in September and October. In Thursday's speech, Saxena spoke about providing a "healing touch" to the people of the troubled region, but emphasised "there would be no compromise on security concerns." "All sections of society, particularly the youth and the children, have grown in the shadow of fear and their psyches scarred and emotionally damaged," he said. "This tragic phenomenon creates an environment conducive to the growth of disillusionment, anger, frustration and violence. This environment has to be changed." Saxena said the new government would review cases of those held in the state's jails. Those not charged, those not being held for serious offences or those who have already spent jail time greater than their original sentences, will be released, he said. The government says it will review laws that "deprive the people of their basic right to life and liberty, guaranteed under the constitution." A new anti-terrorism law passed by the Indian Parliament, the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), gives authorities widespread powers to detain and prosecute offenders. Responding to criticism of what human rights activists have called a draconian law, Saxena said the Jammu and Kashmir government does not plan to use POTA. "The existing laws are adequate to deal with militancy," he said. He also said the government will take steps to protect the people from violence and militancy, "whether originating from within or outside the state." Kashmir is split between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the Himalayan region. Tens of thousands have been killed since an anti-India insurgency turned violent in 1989. India accuses Pakistan of fuelling that conflict by providing material support to militants fighting Indian rule. Pakistan says it only provides moral support to what it calls "Kashmiri freedom fighters."
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