Mr Singh said Pakistan itself was a victim of terrorism and, therefore, it should not encourage violence in J&K.
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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Srinagar to take stock of the prevailing situation in the state, on Saturday held meetings with several delegations, including representatives from different communities and industries. He reiterated that forces had been asked to “exercise maximum restraint”. They want to give this false impression that they care for us and have come to soothe our wounds.
Appealing people for “peace”, he asked his forces to “help in normalising the situation”.
Singh said the Government of India was eager to develop “emotional relationship” with Kashmir rather than “need-based relationship”.
“No third power is required for making the situation better in Kashmir”, he said, adding, the Government of India would not tolerate terrorism. “Kashmir will be an abode of humanity”, he pledged.
Be Civil – It’s OK to have a difference in opinion but there’s no need to be a jerk.
Mehbooba Mufti was not present at Singh’s press conference. “There is no other solution except talks”, he said. “I will check about it and will see about its progress”.
“Let normalcy and peace be restored, then we will talk to whosoever we can”.
Singh will meet delegations of political parties tomorrow, in addition to central and state security agencies.
Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited Kashmir over the weekend, following street battles between government forces and protesters in the region. The Home Minister said the Centre has also evolved a programme for providing employment opportunities to Kashmiri youth and engage them.
On Sunday, he met Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti along with her cabinet and before it, Omar Abdullah led National Conference put forth its memorandum to GoI.
Rajnath Singh had a detailed discussion with state Governor N.N.Vohra. “Every issue can be resolved after sitting together and talking mutually”, he said.
On pellet guns, the minister said that he has spoken about pellet guns in the parliament and he has directed to set up a review committee which will submit a report after two months.
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 home minister was watching this dance of death and destruction by his so-called security personnel but condemning apart he didn’t even mention it and instead placed a blanket of white lies to hide these ruthless crimes”, he said.
Ishtiyaq Ahmad, injured in clashes at Kokernag area of Anantnag district, died at SKIMS hospital, Soura this morning.
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The minister said that 6 injured persons have been taken to AIIMS in New Delhi for treatment and if more patients are required to be treated in Delhi, the government would make necessary arrangements. “One more didn’t accept the offer”, the spokesperson had said. “I appeal to the youth of Kashmir not to indulge in stone pelting and security forces should avoid use of pellet guns as far as possible”, he said. And on the other hand, you ask the youth of Kashmir to pick up guns.
