'No proposal to initiate talks with separatists'

The Central Government has no proposal to initiate a dialogue process with Kashmiri separatists and friendship with Pakistan is the Modi Government’s desire, provided the neighbouring country understands India’s concerns.This was stated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the conclusion of his two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir that coincided with the start of annual Amarnath pilgrimage. Singh paid obeisance at the holy cave situated in South Kashmir mountains. He also visited Hazratbal shrine where holy relic of Prohet Mohammad is preserved. 

The 59-day Amarnath pilgrimage began amid tight security from both Baltal and Pahalgam routes on Thursday.Speaking to the reporters at Raj Bhavan, Rajnath Singh expressed satisfaction over the security and logistic arrangements for the pilgrimage. He said that he reviewed security situation at a meeting on Wednesday and expressed confidence in the arrangements.

“The arrangements are satisfactory. I spoke to many pilgrims. They are also of the opinion that the arrangements are comfortable and better than the past,” he said.He said the Central Government would provide all assistance to the State if any climatic changes occur during the yatra period.Asked about rebuilding relations with Pakistan, the Home Minister said the Modi Government exhibited its intention by inviting Pakistan Prime Minister on the oath ceremony. “I say this from the core of my heart that Pakistan is our neighbouring country. We want friendly relations with all the neighbours. We believe in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s doctrine who said that friends can be changed but not the neighbours,” he said, adding Pakistan too must understand India’s concerns.

Rajnath also said that he is aware of the ground situation in Jammu & Kashmir. “I am confident the situation in Kashmir must not take a worse turn. We require support from the people of the State. We want the development of Kashmir, Jammu and ladakh because it is the most beautiful State of our country,” he said, adding, “Our policies can be debatable but not our intentions”.

The Home Minister further expressed hope that improvement in overall security situation in Kashmir leads to a point where there will be no requirement of AFSPA. “At least we require such a situation wherein the imposition of AFSPA is not required,” he said. He said the Government was willing to listen to and help everyone interested. “We are against the anti-national activities,” he added.

He said there was no reason to doubt the stability of the PDP-BJP coalition Government in Jammu & Kashmir. “I am fully confident (on the stability of the coalition). I don’t understand there is any concern,” he said.On the issues related to relief and rehabilitation of victims of September 2014 floods, the Home Minister said the central relief would come in instalments. “The Prime Minister is always concerned about J&K. The Centre would provide whatever maximum assistance is required by the State. The Central Government provides assistance in instalments for proper utilisation,” he said while underscoring a slew of packages granted since the floods hit the embattled State.

The Home Minister said that he was not aware of any controversy involving his junior Minister Kiren Rijiju. “I cannot comment on the issue. But I had made it clear that my arrival at Baba Amarnath must not hamper any common pilgrim,” he said.Earlier, the Home Minister visited the Amarnath cave and reviewed security situation there besides having the glimpse of ice stalagmite. He also met Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhavan and had extensive discussions about issues relating to external and internal security management.

Before the conclusion of his 2-day J&K visit, the Home Minister also paid obeisance at famous Hazratbal shrine.