Rajnath appeals for peace in Kashmir, flays Pak for unrest
Home minister says ready for ‘constructive’ talks with anybody to restore normalcy
SRINAGAR: Union home minister Rajnath Singh, while expressing need for an emotional relationship with Kashmir, gave a strong message to Pakistan on Sunday, saying no interference will be tolerated.
Singh, who was on a twoday visit to the Valley, asked Islamabad to restrain from encouraging Kashmiri youth from taking up arms.
“You are yourself affected by terrorism. One one hand, you (Pakistan) storm the Lal Masjid to kill terrorists, and on the other, you appeal to Kashmiri youth to take up arms,” Singh said.
“Pakistan’s role isn’t ‘pak’ (pure) in relation to Kashmir. They need to change their behaviour. I haven’t said anything wrong, have just asked them (Pak) to refrain from interfering in internal matters of other country,” Singh said.
The home minister reiterated that terrorism will not be tolerated at any cost. He ruled out third-party involvement in resolution of Kashmir issue.
DIALOGUE IS CRUCIAL
Although there was no offer of dialogue with the separatists, the home minister said dialogue was the only solution.
“I want to reiterate that if anyone has grievances, it can only be solved through dialogue. We will talk to whosoever needed, once peace and normalcy is restored in the state,” he said.
However, he insisted that the decision will be taken only after consultation with the state government. Appealing to youth in Kashmir to not throw stones, Singh said security forces have been asked to avoid using pellet guns.
The home minister said that Centre will form a committee to review the use of pellet guns. “The committee will submit its report in two months”.
Singh, who was in the Valley to review the situation post killing of Hizb-ul commander Burhan Wani, said the Centre wants ‘emotional relationship with Kashmir instead of a needbased one.”
FORCES TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT
While regretting loss of lives in 16 days of protest, Singh asked security forces for maximum restraint while dealing with crowds. The home minister said, over 2,228 policemen from Jammu and Kashmir police and 1,100 CRPF men have also been injured. He informed that over 2,250 civilians have also been injured. “I have conveyed to the chief minister that if need be, the injured can be sent to Delhi. Government will make sure that they are treated at AIIMS,” he added.
Singh air-toured Kashmir’s volatile south Kashmir and met injured youth in Anantnag district. He said, “I have met over 30 delegations since I landed in Srinagar.”