Welfare of J&K topmost priority: PM

Addressing second roundtable meeting, Manmohan proposed to focus on a five-point programme to build a new J&K.

Talking tough, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday asserted that attempts by "some elements" within Jammu and Kashmir to disrupt peace would be firmly thwarted and proposed to focus on a five-point programme to build a new Kashmir.

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Addressing the second roundtable conference, the Prime Minister said the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir is the "topmost priority" of the Congress-led UPA Government.

He said it was the Government's endeavour to put behind the tragic memories of the past while working to build a prosperous future for the state.

Manmohan Singh, who is having the second such meeting in three months, said, "There are some elements within the state who do not wish this dream to become a reality. Their inhumane acts have cost many lives, destroyed many families. Who these elements are, we all know." He did not elaborate.

Condemning acts of violence, Singh said Government will ensure that every resident of this state is protected from such terrorist acts and atrocities.

"We are prepared to take every step towards achieving this objective. We condemn such activities and will ensure that such plans fail," he said.

Maintaining that Government recognised that to resolve political issues, all forms of dialogue should continue, he hoped the Hurriyat Conference, which has boycotted even the second roundtable, would at the "appropriate time" join the meet and share their views.