News
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Singh commissions Baglihar Dam project
* Indian PM says Pakistan’s concerns over dam addressed
* India to build 3 more hydropower projects on ChenabNEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh opened the first phase of the Baglihar Dam Power Project in Indian-held Kashmir on Friday, and said New Delhi had addressed Pakistani concerns regarding the dam. Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, he said Pakistan’s ‘justified concerns’ had been taken care of while building the dam. “We have taken care of the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty during the construction of the dam,” he added. The Indian premier also called for a ‘co-operative relationship’ with Pakistan to fight poverty and other problems facing South Asia. Reiterating India’s commitment to resolve all issues with Pakistan, including Kashmir, through dialogue, the premier said he had envisaged a concept of ‘a different neighbourhood, where borders exist only on maps’. Asked if his vision would make the LoC a de-jure border leading to a permanent division of Kashmir, Singh said he did not know where things would lead. “I could foresee an environment where borders will not matter and the Kashmiris from both sides will not face hurdles in meeting each other,” he added. He rejected the impression that the government used excessive force to quell Muslims protestors demanding freedom from Indian rule and treated Hindu protestors demanding the allocation of forestland to a shrine more lightly. Concerning his previous talks with All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) leaders, he said the APHC leaders did not return with their specific demands, adding demands made through the media were not taken seriously. India is planning to set up three more hydropower projects on Chenab river to generate 2,100 megawatts of electricity in Indian-held Kashmir. An agreement had been signed to his effect ahead of the premier’s Kashmir visit. iftikhar gilani/app
Courtesy DailyTimes