For peace in Kashmir, BJP hints at talks with separatist leaders
Whatever is required for restoration of peace will be done, says party general secretary
JAMMU: Amid vicious cycle of violence across Kashmir that has left over 44 dead in past twoweeks, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) national general secretary (organisation) and one of the top guns in Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh (RSS), Ram Lal, has said whatever is required for the peace and development of the state will be done.
On Thursday evening, deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh had said that peace in Kashmir was the priority and holding talks with separatists was the essence of the all-party meeting.
The PDP-BJP ruling alliance, in a fire-fighting mode, had convened an all-party meeting at Srinagar on Thursday. However, the largest party in the Opposition — National Conference, had boycotted it terming the exercise “meaningless”.
Reluctantly responding to media queries, Ram Lal said he had a detailed discussion on the prevailing Kashmir situation with deputy chief minister, party ministers and legislators.
“Peace will soon be restored. We are committed to it and bottlenecks in the path of peace and development of the state will be overcome,” he said.
When asked if the government will hold talks with separatists to overcome turmoil across Kashmir, he said, “Whatever is required for peace and development, will be done.”
Meanwhile, amid violence across Kashmir over Hizb-ul commander Burhan Wani’s killing and Member of Parliament from People’s Democratic Party’s, Muzzaffar Hussain Baig’s demand of a probe into it, deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh made it clear that PDPBJP government neither subscribed to Baig’s views nor will it order any inquiry.
“I don’t think that is (inquiry in Burhan’s killing) the demand of PDP. Definitely, state government does not subscribe to this view,” he told media persons.
Baig, in his recent speech in the Parliament, had raised questions over Burhan’s encounter that was reportedly wrapped up in three minutes. He had also demanded an inquiry.
“There will be no inquiry”, asserted Singh when asked to come clean on the issue.
On Union home minister Rajnath’s visit to Srinagar, he said he will be meeting various political, trade and social organisations and will listen to people to see how the government can further normalise the situation.
Earlier, state BJP president Sat Sharma, while responding to a query over fissures between PDP and BJP on Burhan’s killing, said, “He was a terrorist with a `10-lakh reward on his head. He, however, evaded a direct reply.