RAJNATH ASKS FORCES TO AVOID PELLET GUN IN KASHMIR, SAYS PAK SHOULDN’T INTERFERE
REACHING OUT Says ready for talks with anybody once normalcy is restored in Valley
While expressing a need for an emotional bond with Kashmir, Union home minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday gave a strong message to Pakistan, saying that no interference will be tolerated from the neighbour in India’s internal matters.
Asking Islamabad to restrain from encouraging Kashmiri youth to take up arms, he said, “You are yourself affected by terrorism. One one hand you (Pakistan) storm the Lal Masjid to kill terrorists, but on the other, you appeal to Kashmiri youth to take up arms,” said Singh, who was on a two-day visit to the Valley.
He added, “Pakistan’s role isn’t ‘pak’ (pure) . They need to change their behaviour.’’
Singh also ruled out any third party involvement in the resolution of Kashmir issue. Although there was no offer of dialogue with separatists, the home minister, however, reiterated that talks was the only solution. “I want to reiterate that if anyone has any grievances, they can only be resolved through dialogue. We are ready to talk to anybody once peace and normalcy is restored in the state,’’ he said. Singh, however, insisted that the decision on the issue will only be taken after consultations with the state government.
Rajnath said the Centre will form a committee to review the use of pellet guns in such situations. “The committee will submit its report in two months,’’ he added.
Earlier in the day, Singh met a high-level delegation of National Conference led by party working president Omar Abdullah. Abdullah told Rajnath that Kashmir was a political issue and needed no economic packages.