The simmering crisis in Jammu and Kashmir became the focus of President Pratibha Patil?s address to the nation on Thursday as she appealed for calm in the state, saying that differences could be addressed through ?dialogue and reconciliation?.
Stressing that there was no place for violence in the society, Patil on the eve of Independence Day said ?the paths of peace and compromise can be complex and difficult? but needed to be pursued. Such steps ?alone will enable the nation to grow and prosper.?
?There have been instances in our country of people taking law into their own hands and causing destruction to life and public property,? Patil said without making any reference to violence in J&K.
The President also focussed on the growing threat posed by terrorism to national as well as international peace and regretted that terrorists groups continued to receive support and sanctuary. ?We must stand united against terrorism,? she said, adding, ?The ideologues of terrorism have little respect for human life. They incite violence and mindless destruction.?
An indirect reference to the nuclear deal also came up in the President?s address when she touched upon the subject of energy security, contending that India?s demands for energy as a developing country was growing at a fast pace.
Patil added lack of energy should not become a constraint on the country?s ability to deliver higher levels of growth.
?With the challenges of increased oil prices and climate change, the question of energy security confronts us. We need to look at energy mixes that are sustainable in the long run and are cleaner sources of energy, gradually making deliberate shift to renewable energy,? she said.
The President added it should be country?s national mission to begin exploring ways in which new sources of energy can be harnessed viably.
?Technologies increasing efficiency in energy-intensive sectors need to be developed… any contribution to save energy is a step towards environment protection and in saving the wide diversity of flora and fauna on the planet,? she said.
Referring to the government?s flagship programmes for standards of living, the President said those involved in the implementation of development and social welfare schemes must work with dedication and zeal.
?Implementation done in a transparent and accountable manner will ensure that these schemes reach the genuine beneficiaries in a timely manner. Thus, preventing corruption in our system and enhancing efficiency in governance,? she said.