Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to arrive here on a two-day visit later in the day, official sources said.
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“We are not for a forcible tie-up with Kashmir but want to build emotional ties”, Rajnath Singh told reporters here, winding up a two-day visit to the restive Kashmir Valley.
He also said that grievances, if any, of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, needed to be solved through talks. The five-hour long meeting here while discussing the prevailing law and order situation in Kashmir Valley took note of the empathy and sense of solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir reflected during the debate on the prevailing situation in the State in both Houses of Parliament, an official spokesman told reporters.
He described Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, whose killing in an encounter sparked the recent protests, as a “tech-savvy terrorist of new generation” who had exploited social media platforms to lure youths into picking up the gun. “But on the other hand, you appeal to Kashmiri youth to take up arms”, he said. He said, “Pakistan’s role isn’t “pak” (pure) in relation to Kashmir”.
Rajnath said: “I extend my sympathy with the kin of civilians killed in unrest”.
Appealing to youngsters to desist from stone-pelting, Singh said he has asked for “maximum restraint” from security forces, too.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) said it too has decided not to meet Singh during his visit as “no goal will be served in attending any meeting when the killing of innocent people is unabated and scores of people continue to be injured in the pellet/bullet gun fire”. The Party said a continued failure to address the growing political alienation in Kashmir goes against the interests of the people of India.
India yesterday slammed Pakistan for its observance of “Kashmir’s Accession to Pakistan Day” on July 19 and “Black Day” on July 20, saying it exposes Pakistan’s “longing for the territory of J&K”.
“This statement should be sufficient for the (state) government to discontinue the use of pellet guns”, the high court said here while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). “Then, we can decide whether we talk to separatists or any other group”, he said. “I appeal to all Kashmiris to come forward with constructive suggestions for improving the situation in Kashmir”, he added.
The CCI cautioned the Home Minister not to mistake Jammu and Kashmir for the Valley alone, as the two distinct regions of Jammu and Ladakh too had distinct urges and aspirations, which can’t be ignored.
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“For the restoration of normalcy and peace restoration, we can talk to anyone”. The government will make sure they are treated at the AIIMS.
