The Prime Minister has called upon all countrymen particularly people of Jammu and Kashmir and North East to adopt democratic means for resolution of issues and join hands with government for their own and country's welfare. He was Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the majestic Red Fort after unfurling the national tri- colour on the 64th Independence Day this morning. Recalling his recent talks with political parties from Jammu and Kashmir said it will be his endeavor to take this process forward.He reiterated that the government is ready to talk to every person or group which abjures violence and deeply regretted the loss of lives in the cycle of violence which is of no benefit to any one. Asserting that Kashmir was an integral part of India, Dr.Singh said that within this framework, Centre is ready to move forward in any talks which will increase the partnership of the common man in governance and also enhance their welfare. He expressed deep regret over the recent cycle of violence in Jammu and Kashmir in which young men lost their lives and called for ending this cycle. Referring to North East, Dr.Singh underlined that discussion and dialogue are the only options to resolve complex issues and offered to take forward every process of talks which could lead to progress in resolution of problems. He cautioned all political parties and groups that disputes in the name of State or Tribe can only harm the country . The Prime Minister said naxalism has emerged as a serious challenge to internal security and there is need to rise above personal and political interests to tackle the menace. Dwelling in detail on the naxal menace, the Prime Minister asked them to abjure violence and come for talks with the government. At the same time, he said that his government will deal firmly with those who resort to violence. Dr. Singh said that centre will provide all possible help to State Governments to maintain the rule of law in areas affected by naxalism. Noting that most of the naxal affected areas are dominated by adivasis, he said it will be the endeavor of his government that they join the mainstream of development. Dr. Singh said he had asked the Planning Commission to formulate a comprehensive scheme in this regard, which will implemented fully. The Prime Minister also asked officials serving in naxal affected areas to be more sensitive.The Prime Minister asserted that dialogue process cannot make any progress with Pakistan unless terrorism emanating from its territory ends. ,he India has been emphasizing this in all its discussions with Pakistan. He underlined that India wants prosperity, peace and harmony in its neighboring countries. Dealing at length on other issues, he admitted that poor people are the worst hit due to rising food prices, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said the government is making every effort to control inflation, which has been over 10 per cent for last several months. He took pride in offering high support prices to farmers since 2004, he said that this also resulted in increased food prices in the open market. Dr. Singh however, defended the recent hike in petroleum prices saying India imports nearly 80 per cent of its requirement and the subsidy was increasing every year. The Prime Minister said that Borlaug Institute of South Asia is being established in India to facilitate availability of new and improved seeds and new technology to the farmers . This will help in increasing production and productivity. He said that the Government is keen to ensure that no citizen goes hungry. Dr. Manmohan Singh said that the challenges like climate change, falling levels of ground water and deteriorating quality of soil need to be tackled effectively to make this sector more robust. The Prime Minister said that the global economic melt down had a little impact on the Indian economy and New Delhi registered impressive growth despite the crises. 8.5 percent growth is expected to be achieved this year. The Prime Minister announced constitution of two separate councils for higher education and health to accelerate reforms in these sectors. He said improvement in the areas of education and health is an important strategy for inclusive growth.The Prime Minister said government will soon bring a bill to Parliament soon for constitution of two separate councils . On the health front, Dr.Singh said though nutritious food and good health services are necessary, they are not enough for ensuring good health of a the citizens. He said there are many diseases which would be difficult to prevent in the cities, towns and villages without cleanliness and good sanitation. He appealed to the state governments, Panchayat Raj Institutions, civil society groups and common citizens to make this campaign successful. The Prime Minister said that the government is committed to maintain peace and harmony as it is their duty to protect the minorities and provide for their special needs. He said that Government has started many new programmes for the welfare of minorities. These include scholarships for minority students and special programmes for the development of districts which have high concentration of minorities. Dr. Singh pledged to take this process vigorously forward. He referred to a number of welfare schemes and programmes lodged by the government to ensure inclusive growth. He added every person living in the rural areas now, has the assurance of 100 days of employment through Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. To ensure equal partnership of women he added, several initiatives have been taken including the passage of a bill the Rajya Sabha providing for reservation of women in Parliament and State Legislatures. The Prime Minister referred to the measures taken by the government in the recent past to meet the infrastructure deficit. They include construction of better roads, airports and generation of electricity etc. Referring to the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, the Prime Minister said that their successful organization will be another signal for the world that India is rapidly marching ahead with confidence. He said that he was convinced that all countrymen will treat the games as the national festival and will leave no stone unturned to make them a success. Dr. Singh extended his heart-felt condolences to the families who lost their kith and kin in Ladakh floods recently. He said the entire country is with the people of Ladakh and assured that government will do everything possible for their rehabilitation of the affected people.