Kashmir - Prime Ministerial visit

(6 Aug 1996) T/I: 10:24:54


Indian Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda visited Kashmir on Monday (5/8) in a second trip ahead of the first legislative elections to be held there in nearly a decade. More than 16,000 paramilitary troops and commandos fanned out across Jammu, conducting search operations to pre-empt any violence during Deve Gowda's one-day visit to the city.
The premier has pledged "maximum autonomy" to Kashmir but his assurances have failed to convince the separatists to take part in the elections.

SHOWS:

KASHMIR 5/8
Aerial of mountains in Buddhist dominated Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir State
Governor of Jammu and Kashmir General VK Krishna Rao (grey hair and suit) and General JS Dhillon (in uniform) waiting at the tarmac of Leh airport
Premier Deve Gowda alighting from plane
Moslems and Buddhist members of Autonomous Hill council of Ladakh presenting scarfs to Gowda
SOT Gowda addressing council of Leh: "The 2nd package (for Ladakh) which I have announced in parliament is from the very point of view, given certain economics, a package to the common people who have suffered due to long drawn this militant activities."
Civic reception by Ladakhis
Large crown of Ladakhis against mountain backdrop
People in traditional dress
SOT Gowda: "In consultations with my senior officers, my principal secretary is here, my ome secretary is here, today or tomorrow I am goint to make announcement, some of the important programmes for the development of this Leh and Ladakh, this region."
Cutaways
Gowda addressing Indian troops in Leh at the Hall of Flames
Exterior of building
Ladakhi guard on horse outside the gate
Troops seated
SOT Gowda: "Not only (are you) guarding borders but are also fighting a proxy war thrust upon us by neighbouring county (Pakistan). I am happy to note that you have largely crushed
militancy, you have created conditions favourably for retaining democracy in the State."
Cutaway
SOT Gowda: "With the cooperation of all concerned, including public, I am confident that we'll hold forthcoming assembly elections successfully."
Soldiers applaud and cheer in unison
Exterior of governor's house
Gowda making notes on paper
MS of Hindus, Sikhs and Moslems

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