Egypt cannot be replicated in India, including Jammu & Kashmir,as India is a functional democracy where people have d right 2 change govt-17/2/11

Egypt cannot be replicated in India, a democracy

Hindustan Times

New Delhi, February 17, 2011

First Published: 01:08 IST(17/2/2011)
Last Updated: 01:10 IST(17/2/2011)

The political developments in Egypt and its ripple effects in parts of the Arab world cannot be replicated in parts of the country, including Jammu & Kashmir, as India is a functional democracy where people have the right to change governments, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. The Prime Minis ter also talked about the growing stature of the country internationally. Citing the visit of all P-5 leaders last year as something that has “never happened before”, Singh stressed on how the world marvels at India.

When asked whether the incidents in Egypt can influence areas such as the North-East, J&K and Maoist-hit areas, Singh said, being a functional democracy means the protests leading to political upheavals cannot be replicated in parts of India.

“Whatever happens in the Gulf or in West Asia including is a matter of concern to us...No (replication of such events is not possible in India) because India is a functioning democracy,” Prime Minister said. Singh pointed out that in India people have the right to change the government and country has a free press.

“We are a functioning democracy. Though we do not believe it is our business to advise other countries, we welcome the dawn of democracy everywhere.”

On Sri Lanka

On the politically-sensitive issue of fishermen being apprehended in Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said India takes a “very serious view” of the matter and would take it up with the neighbour. Singh said the Sri Lankan government had already been told in strong terms that such behaviour was not acceptable.

“I have been told that 118 fishermen have been taken into custody. We are taking up this matter with the Sri Lankan Government. We take a very serious view,” he said.

The arrest comes close on the heels of the killing of two Indian fishermen allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy — that has also become a huge political issue in poll-bound Tamil Nadu.

In his opening remarks, Singh spoke about India’s strengths that make the world take note of it — a functional democracy committed to the rule of law, seeking social salvation of its masses and yet managing a 8-9% growth.