PANAJI, Sept 9:
Asserting that Government will take into confidence all parties while taking steps to bring peace and normalcy in Kashmir, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said it is “very difficult” for people to bear unrest for long.
“The Government on its own is working on improving the situation there (Kashmir). The discussions are held with the people. After the all-party delegation meeting, there has been a perceptional change,” Singh told reporters here after commissioning off-shore patrol vessel ICG Sarathi.
The Minister said that the Government was working on the recommendations made by the All-Party Delegation that Travelled to the State recently.
“The All-Party Delegation went there (J and K) to review …Our efforts will be to take all parties in confidence while taking a step. We are working on it,” he said.
“People in Kashmir have realised that it is difficult to bear such a long span of unrest. People are feeling that peace and normalcy should be restored,” he said.
“In future also, we will be trying that all parties are taken into confidence (on Kashmir),” he said.
The Minister said that “there is improvement in the situation in Kashmir” and the Centre was assisting efforts to provide employment and bring development in the State.
“Things are much in control compared to the past. In coming days, the situation in Kashmir would be completely under control,” he said.
In order to provide job opportunities to the youths in the state, the Central Government has ordered for recruitment of 10,000 Special Police Officers (SPOs) in the State, he said.
“Development work is going on. Central Government has also funded for all the development works,” he said.
Responding to a question on cross-border infiltration, the Home Minister said, “Infiltration has been happening in past, but it was less in 2015.”
“There is increase in 2016 as far as infiltration is concerned but at the same time our Army and Para-Military Forces have managed to eliminate the terrorists,” he said.
Meanwhile, terming maritime terrorism as a major threat, Rajnath said the Government has started the process of security audit to identify vulnerable areas in the seas and along the coastline.
After commissioning Coast Guard ship ‘Sarathi’, Singh said the Government has been successful in addressing the issues pertaining to maritime security post Mumbai terror attack in November 2008 which was carried out by terrorists who came through the sea.
“Maritime terrorism continues to be a security threat as we have a long coastline with many big cities and security installations.
“We have started the process of security audit to identify vulnerable areas in our seas and coastal areas,” he said in presence of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar here.
The Home Minister said the Central Government has adopted a comprehensive and integrated coastal security scheme to strengthen India’s coastal network.
“For better coordination among the agencies responsible for coastal security, the Director General of Coast Guard has been designated as commander of coastal security,” he said, adding the coast guarding force should also work towards the safety and conservation of India’s maritime ecosystem.
“Oceans and seas act as natural security shields and also bring new opportunities for eco prosperity,” he said.
Highlighting the role of Coast Guard, the Home Minister hailed it as the central pillar of India’s security architecture with two other important pillars of Navy and Marine Police.
The Coast Guard ship ‘Sarathi’ is the third in the series of six 105 meters offshore patrol vessels.
‘Sarathi’ meaning ‘charioteer’ is a projection of Indian Coast Guard’s will and commitment to serve and protect the maritime interests of the nation.
The ship has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd and fitted with advanced navigation and communication equipment and sensors.
The features include an integrated bridge system, integrated machinery control system, power management system and high power external fire fighting system.
ICGS ‘Sarathi’ is designed to carry one twin engine light helicopter and five high-speed boats, including two for fast boarding operations, search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol at sea.
The ship is also capable of carrying pollution response equipment to combat any oil spill contamination at sea.
The ship draws 2,350 tonnes and is propelled by two 9,100 KW diesel engine to attain a maximum speed of 23 knots and has an endurance of 6,000 nautical miles at economical speed.
The ship has a complement of 14 officers and 98 men. (PTI)
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