On the third day of his hectic 4-day visit to the embattled Jammu & Kashmir, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday talked tough against terrorism in Kashmir but appeared to adopt reconciliatory tone on talks with stakeholders, including the separatists. He said the situation in Kashmir is not the best but has improved a lot as compared to last year. He sought to alley apprehensions on the threats to special status of J&K and said the Centre was committed to resolve issues and problems of the State to ensure peace, dignity, honour and development of all the people in the State.
Rajnath reiterated his commitment to finding permanent solution to J&K problem based on five C’s: Compassion, communication, coexistence, confidence building and consistency.
Rajnath said during his stay in Kashmir he can confidently say that trees of peace have not withered in Kashmir but their green shoots are visible.
Flanked by Union MoS in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Dr Jitendra Singh at a Press conference at Pari Mahal Guest House, with conspicuous absence of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti or any senior PDP Minister, Rainath said the Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is always willing to talk to all stakeholders, including separatists to resolve issues with open heart and mind. He, however, regretted that the separatists were not forthcoming on the Government’s offer. He declined to send a formal invitation to the separatists for talks and said that he has clarified umpteen times that the doors of dialogue were open for those who were willing to engage. He said the Government is sincerely pursuing the PM’s Independence Day announcement that resolution of Kashmir issue requires hugging people rather than hurling bullets and abuses on them.
He said a permanent solution is based on five C’s-compassion, communication, coexistence, confidence building and consistency. When asked about the C of the constitutional safeguards to J&K in the backdrop of threats to Articles 370 and 35 A, he said the Government would not go against the sentiments that are associated with the preservation and protection of special status and related statutes pertaining to J&K within the Constitution of India.
He conceded that in the past commitments made to Kashmiris have not been fulfilled that led to erosion of faith in the political system.
The Home Minister announced that the Centre will accommodate the cost escalation in the projects under PM’s Development Package (PMDP) announced in 2015. The cost escalation has crossed Rs 80,000 crore to more than Rs 100,000 crore. He said he directed the concerned authorities to expedite the implementation of the ongoing projects under the development package.
The Home Minister said all out efforts were being made by the Government to bring peace, development, dignity and honour to the people of the State.
Rajnth expressed satisfaction over the considerable improvement in the overall security situation in Kashmir Valley. He said the situation is improving in the Valley and the country wishes to see smiles on the face of Kashmiri people.
He appealed to countrymen and people abroad to visit Kashmir as people were ready to welcome the guests. He said Kashmir is safe and secure as there is no threat to the tourists. He announced that the Centre will undertake special tourism promotional drive to promote tourism in Kashmir and other regions of the State.
The Home Minister said the terrorism has adversely affected the tourism sector, the youth, businessmen, workers and the poor. He said the Government will not allow another generation to go waste in Kashmir as several generations were wasted due to militancy.
Rajnath said Government’s policy of zero tolerance will continue against the terrorism and violence. He advised the Kashmiri youth to stay away from stone pelting, terrorism and violence. He said, “The terror has devastated a lot of generations and we won’t allow another generation to be perished.” Terrorism would not be welcomed at any cost and they would be dealt with sternly, he added.
The Home Minister also said the minors in Kashmir detained by the J&K Police should be sent to juvenile homes and not jails. He said the youngsters below 18 years should not be treated as criminals but as juveniles. He asked the authorities to undertake proper counseling of such youths.
Rajnath said he directed all security forces agencies to avoid excessive use of force and collateral damage while maintaining law and order situation and during anti-militancy operations. He said the State Government must take cognisance of the complaints regarding use of excessive force that led to deaths.
He said his interaction with about 55 delegations -- comprising civil society members, traders, students, teachers and mainstream political parties -- reflected intense desire of cross section of people for peace, dignity and development in Kashmir.
Replying a question, Rajnath said NIA raids in Kashmir were no arm-twisting by the Government against the separatists or others. He said NIA is an autonomous body but it should ensure that nobody is harassed during the raids and its investigations. Rajnath said the aggrieved people having any issue with the NIA raids or investigations should seek redressal in the court of law.
Responding to another question, Rajnath said India wants friendly relations with Pakistan. He, however, regretted that Pakistan continued to meddle into J&K affairs. He said Pakistan must stop infiltration of militants into this side of State and take tangible measures to improve bilateral relations.
After staying for three days in Kashmir, Rajnath flew to Nowshera in Rajouri district in Jammu region this afternoon. He visited Army camp and had interaction with jawans. He also had interaction with schoolchildren. The Home Minister also met people living in border areas who have migrated to camps due to ceasefire violations on loC in Jammu region. He is slated to interact with civil society, business fraternity and cross section of people in the Jammu region.