Srinagar: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that the government “will not go against the sentiments of people” while speaking on a petition lodged in the Supreme Court seeking abrogation of Article 35A.
“We will not go against sentiments of people. There are no issues left that is why such issues are being raised,” Singh said in Srinagar.
He said that he was willing to talk to anyone who helps in resolving problems of Kashmir.
“I am willing to talk to anyone. I am inviting everyone who is willing to help us in resolving problems of Kashmir,” he said, as reported by PTI news agency.
Singh said that the situation in Kashmir Valley has improved as compared to last year.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said that he has asked the administration and forces to treat “misguided” Kashmiri children with compassion.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Singh said he has directed the security forces and the administration that children who have been “misguided and pushed into violence” should not be treated as criminals and put into jails.
“Elaborating, he said 5Cs include compassion, communication, co-existence, confidence building and consistency”
“Such misguided children should be dealt with according to the juvenile justice system and not locked up in jails. They should be properly counselled and treated with compassion,” he said.
Asked about the arrests of separatist leaders in the state, the Home Minister said the National Investigation Agency is the premier investigating agency of the country and is acting according to the law of the land, but added that this should not deter those who want to talk to the government.
“Law will take its course, but we are ready to speak to everybody. We have never opposed talks. The all party delegation came here and met everybody, we did not oppose that. I have already said that all stakeholders are welcome and anybody ready to talk to us is welcome,” he asserted.
Asked whether a formal invitation would be extended to the separatists for a dialogue Singh said: “What is formal or informal? We invite everyone. I request your help to restore peace and understand the intentions of the Prime Minister who said Kashmir problem will be resolved by embracing the people of Kashmir and not by ‘Goli'(Bullet) or ‘Gaali’ (Abuses)”.
The situation in Kashmir Valley has improved significantly over the past year, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today as he expressed willingness to meet anyone who wants to help resolve problems of Kashmir.
Singh, who is on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, told reporters that a permanent solution to Kashmir issue is based on five ‘C’s — compassion, communication, coexistence, confidence building and consistency.
“After meeting the delegations and holding meetings here, I understand that the situation in Kashmir has greatly improved.I don’t want to claim that everything is completely fine but things are improving, this I can say with firm belief,” Singh said.
He said during his visit he has interacted with police and CRPF personnel and he will also meet Army personnel.
“I am willing to meet anyone who wants to help us in resolving problems of Kashmir.There is no question of a formal or informal invitation. Those who want to talk should come forward. I always come here with an open mind,” Singh said when asked if the government was ready to hold talks with separatists.
He said the government does not want to leave out any of the stakeholders with whom dialogue should be held.
Rajnath Singh on Monday said that during his trip to Kashmir he was convinced that things were improving in the Valley.
Rajnath Singh while addressing media in Srinagar said: “What I have seen during last two, three days has convinced me that the trees of peace have not dried up. I can see green buds of peace on these trees.”
“I have not counted how many times I have come here. If I have to come 50 times to bring peace to J&K, I will do that,” the senior minister in the Narendra Modi government said.
Singh said he met 55 delegations during this visit and was always ready to meet anyone without reservations.
“I have met non-political people including students, teachers, things are improving with every passing day. The situation may not have improved completely, but it is improving. I don’t want to leave out anyone with whom dialogue is possible,” he added.
He said he was moved to tears while paying tributes to slain policemen in south Kashmir.
“While giving tributes to Kashmir policemen, the face of ASI Abdul Rashid’s daughter, Zohra was passing through my mind. We want every face in Kashmir to smile,” he said.
He said the issue of disturbed area allowance to state policemen on the pattern of central armed forces was being considered.
On the developmental front the minister said: “I have reviewed the progress on the implementation of Prime Minister’s developmental package for the state. From the initially slotted Rs 85,000 crore, it will now cross one hundred thousand crore”.
The minister also said that children must have been pushed by motivators to commit crimes and they should not be treated as criminals.
“They must be dealt under juvenile justice system and not be put into jails. They must be properly counselled. I told security forces that no excesses should be committed during operations.”
He blamed militants for “destroying” generations of Kashmir and reaffirmed that the government will not allow another generation to be destroyed.
“Poor people and businessman, youth with positive attitude and tourism industry have immensely suffered. After a wrong message went out, tourists stopped coming here. I want to send them a message that the people of Kashmir are ready to receive you, there is no danger here,” he said.
Home Minister (HM) Rajnath Singh who is on a four-day visit to the state Monday said the Centre will run a special tourism drive for Kashmir to promote tourism in the State of Jammu Kashmir.
Addressing a presser at Hari Niwas, HM said, “Terrorism has adversely affected the tourism sector. I appeal everyone to come to Kashmir.”
Comments are closed.