Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday raised the issues of Pakistan's atrocity in PoK and Balochistan as an all-party meeting discussed the "Pak-sponsored" violence in Jammu & Kashmir and the proposed financial package of Rs 80,000 crore for the development of the State. However, the all-party meet did not take any decision on banning the use of pellet guns by the security forces or sending a political delegation to engage with different stakeholders in the Valley.
Addressing the all-party meeting, Modi said the Government was ready to address "grievances" of all sections of people in Jammu & Kashmir as per the Constitution but made it clear that there cannot be any compromise with the nation's integrity. He also praised the work of security forces to maintain peace in the Valley and said certain elements across the border were inciting a few people to create violence and spreading unrest.
Blaming Pakistan for the root cause of unrest in Kashmir, Modi said India need no teaching from Pakistan who uses air force to bomb its citizens in Balochistan. "Cross-border terrorism is the root cause of unrest in Kashmir. Normal life is affected due to terrorism in the Valley from 1989," said Modi detailing the seizure of arms and ammunition from Pakistan infiltrated terrorists into the Valley.
Asserting that PoK is part of India, the Prime Minister said, "When we talk about Jammu & Kashmir, we must talk about all the four regions of the State - Jammu, Kashmir Valley, ladakh and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)."
"With so many weapons being recovered and so many foreign terrorists infiltrated into the Valley to create violence, Pakistan may speak as much lie before the world and no one going to believe it. Pakistan forgets that it bombs its own citizens by fighter planes. Now it is time to make Pakistan answerable before the world on the atrocities against people in Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir," said Modi.
Promising to find a permanent and peaceful solution as per the basic principles of the Constitution, Modi said, "We all are committed to this national sentiment that there cannot be any compromise with the country's regional integrity."
"We are ready to address the grievances of all sections under the Constitution," the Prime Minister said.
Sharing the main points of his Government's Kashmir policy, Modi asked the External Affairs Ministry to try to contact citizens of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, living in different parts of the world, to get details of the area's pitiable condition and share them with the international community.
The Government's efforts include reaching out to the civil society and speed up measures to integrate Kashmir's youth with the State's economic activities. Seeking support of all political parties, the Prime Minister said, "When terrorism is on the rise across the world and when we are encircled by terrorism sponsored by the neighbouring country, then we will have to be united in this fight. The Government expects constructive support from all Opposition parties on this."
"I have complete confidence that with the dedication of the State Government and with your total cooperation we will soon restore normal life in Jammu & Kashmir again," he said as he praised Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's Government, in which BJP is a partner, for its "careful handling" of the issue despite odds.
like every Indian, he also felt "deep pain" over the events in the State, he said, adding it was painful that students were unable to study, apples produced in large quantity in the Valley were not reaching markets and Government offices were unable to carry out public welfare works.
"Whoever be killed, whether civilians or security forces, we all feel the pain. I have full sympathies with their families. We are committed to providing good health care to the injured and also towards restoring peace in the Valley so that people could live their normal lives..." he said in his concluding remarks.
Invoking former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee again, he said his Government would follow the path shown by him, a reference to the former Prime Minister's offer to hold dialogue under the framework of 'insaniyat (humanity), jamhuriyat (democracy) and Kashmiriyat'.
later addressing the media about the outcome of the meeting, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said, "There cannot be any compromise on national security and the ongoing talks with political parties and trade groups and social organisations would continue."
Rajnath Singh said the Centre would soon finalise the details of financial package of Rs 80,000 crores to the development of the State. Replying to volley of questions, Jailtey said implications of pellet guns would be decided after the expert committee's evaluation.
"No decision on all-party delegation to Jammu & Kashmir as of now. Security forces have been asked to maintain utmost restraint in the State. Decision to call separatists and Hurriyat for talks will be evaluated by the Government according to the prevailing situation. There will be no lowering of guard as far as security is concerned," said Jaitley.