The PM of India is on a two-day visit to the valley, to inaugurate the 45MW hydro project at Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, which flows from Kashmir into Pakistan. The Pakistan Government had opposed this as the water supply to Pakistan would be reduced. However, India had paid no heed to the opposition and stated that such a plant was essential for Kashmir to meet acute power shortage. Mr Singh at a press conference at Srinagar said "Borders cannot be changed but they can be made irrelevant".

The PM made it clear to the people that he was fully committed to normalize relations with Pakistan "My vision of India-Pakistan is that both countries situate their bilateral relations in a cooperative framework of mutual understanding......we seek the normalization of relationship with Pakistan, a solution of all issues that cause estrangement, including Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue and peaceful negotiations in an atmosphere free of violence”. 

The PM said that old ways of thinking should be discarded and new ways incorporated, "A strong, Stable and prosperous Pakistan is in India's interest".

With regard to talks with the Hurriyat Conference the PM stated that the talks were discontinued because the Hurryat Conference was using media to express its demands which could not be taken seriously. He further added that all the people of the valley were welcome to express their grievances which shall be dealt with in a proper manner and he shall meet such people personally when the time is right. On with drawl of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act Dr Singh said” It is too early, frankly, to consider this. If the situation begins to normalize, we have to review it. The situation today is not of that sort. I can't assure you".

Dr Manmohan Singh asked the people, to take an active part in the elections, as they will be fair and free. The PM believed that all problems can be sorted out with dialogue. 

The valley, which was once referred to as 'Heaven on Earth'.