‘Children’ err, Rajnath says of stone pelters

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said yesterday that children can make mistakes and that is why the government decided to withdraw cases against youth who were misled into pelting stones at security personnel.

Addressing over 6,000 youth, mostly sportspersons, he said at the Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium here: “Children can make mistakes. That is why we decided to withdraw cases against those children who were misled into stone pelting.”

Among the people who created a ruckus after Usman’s arrest were those with ‘terror’ links. Those who are now making a noise now do not want me to speak.”

Pinarayi Vijayan | Kerala chief minister

Decision defended

Defending the government’s decision last year to take back cases against over 6,000 youth booked for stone pelting, he said: “Children anywhere are the same. We understand that some youth were misled into stone pelting. “I want to appeal to the youth that they should follow the path of development. They should not go on the path of destruction.

Singh also urged separatist leaders to hold talks for peace in Jammu and Kashmir, saying a dialogue needed “right-minded people” and not necessarily like-minded people to succeed.

The Home Minister is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir to assess the security situation.