Urging various security forces agencies to respect human rights and work steadfastly with humane face, the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh today called upon the security forces to ensure maximum security and minimum disruption of normal life while performing their day to day operational duties, in Jammu & Kashmir.

Chairing the Unified Command Meeting at SKICC here, Dr. Manmohan Singh , who arrived here on two days visit to Kashmir for 2nd Round Table Conference, made clear that there will be zero tolerance for custodial deaths. He called upon the security forces to be firm but humane, effective and efficient in control but not intrusive. He called them to remain committed to human rights. He asked the forces to be people-friendly and avoid any collateral damage while combating militancy, saying that every care must be taken to avoid any damage to innocent people.

Paying homage to the civilians and security personnel who have lost their lives during militancy in Jammu and Kashmir State, Dr. Manmohan Singh expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families who have suffered and lost their dear ones during militant attacks. He complimented the security forces for their role in providing adequate security for holding recent bye-elections in Jammu and Kashmir State where huge number of voters exercised their right of franchise. He also praised the security forces for providing befitting security to the passenger buses traveling across the LoC.

Union Home Minister Shri Shivraj Patil lauded the dynamic leadership of Shri Azad and expressed hope that his able leadership would steer the state towards peace and prosperity. Those who participated in the meetings included Union Minister of State for Home Shri Sriparkash Jaswal, State Deputy Chief Minister Shri Muzaffar Hussain Baig, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Shri T. K. A. Nair, Principal Advisor to Planning Commission of India, Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, Media Advisor to PM, Dr. Sanjaya Baru, Shri Vijay Bakaya, Union Home Secretary Shri V K Duggal and nine Union Secretaries of various development departments including health, agriculture, environment, urban development, tourism, roads and buildings, home, rural development, power and Director General, BRO and senior officers of state and central government.