KL Desk

SRINAGAR

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Wednesday credited “intelligence based counter-terrorism operations” for the “improved” situation of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the year 2012 saw a significant improvement in the security situation of the state.

Addressing a chief ministers’ conference on internal security in New Delhi, Dr Singh said, “Our strategy to prevent cross-border infiltration by militants and our intelligence based counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir have resulted in a decline in the level of terrorist violence by about one-third in 2012 as compared to 2011.”

“In fact, terrorist violence parameters in 2012 have been the lowest since the upsurge in terrorist activities two decades ago. The record inflow of tourists and pilgrims during 2012 also points to an improved security situation in the State,” he added.

He further said the implementation of several infrastructure projects in Jammu and Kashmir is progressing well.

” The Himayat and Udaan schemes which aim at providing additional gainful employment to the youth have also achieved a fair measure of success. These are all welcome developments,” he added.

Dr Singh, however, informed that the security situation in the North East continues to be complex, with insurgency, extortion and agitations being the main disruptive elements in the hands of the insurgents.

“However, there has been considerable progress in dialogue with several insurgent and ethnic separatist groups in the North-Eastern region,” he said.

“A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with both factions of Dima Halam Daogah of Dima Hasao in Assam. Three Metei insurgent groups have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in February 2013. Talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland are continuing,” he added.

He further said that the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has been set up as an autonomous body in August 2012 to administer the Gorkhaland region and ensure its all-round development.

“The Centre is committed to providing financial assistance of Rs 200 crore per annum for three years for projects aimed at developing the socio-economic infrastructure in the GTA areas,” he added. (Agencies)

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