Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM appeals for peace and harmony

Following is the text of the statement issued by the Prime Minister today:

"Republic Day is a solemn occasion when we, the citizens of India, commemorate our proud republic's founding. It is a day that joins all Indians in a shared celebration of modern nationhood.

It is not an occasion to score political points, to embarrass state and local administrations, to create situations that could lead to entirely avoidable problems, or to promote divisive agendas.

Over the years, the states have devised their own time-tested and publicly accepted procedures for Republic Day celebrations within a common national framework. The significance and solemnity of the occasion demand that these continue to be followed. It is up to the states to ensure that public traditions are honoured and they would be well within their rights to insist upon punctilious adherence. The Government of India will support them in this endeavour.

It is all the more important to observe maximum restraint particularly in a sensitive state like Jammu and Kashmir.

It is my hope that all our citizens and political parties will heed this call and will do nothing that will disturb peace and harmony, or detract in any way from the dignity of Republic Day."