Home Minister Rajnath Singh-led all-party delegation of parliamentarians on Monday concluded its two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir with optimism that the ongoing situation would be tackled effectively by the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition Government. It was home minister’s third visit to Kashmir valley in past six weeks and third media conference.
Advertisement
The Home minister Rajnath Singh said that what I learnt from some members of the all-party delegation, who went to meet the separatist leaders, was certainly neither “Kashmiriyat” nor “insaniyat” (humane). But whatever information those friends gave us upon their return, it can be said it was not Kashmiriyat.
At a Press conference before leaving for a stopover at Jammu, Singh disagreed with the view that the mission was a failure and said the delegation had “very good interactions” with individuals and groups. But separatist groups refused to meet the delegation, saying the team’s mandate was unclear.
“Funny that world’s most oppressive regime is lecturing Kashmiris about humanity”, she said and added that there was only one voice that Kashmir had been illegally occupied by India for the past 70 years.
He said 26 Members of Parliament belonging to 20 parties have come here for talks as part of the delegation.
In fact state unit Congress president G.A Mir, was a wise man because he had suggested to Rahul Gandhi to postpone his visit on the plea that he would be slighted in Kashmir when separatists and their followers shout pro-Azadi and anti-India slogans and refuse to meet party leaders.
Aided by Pakistan and backed by militants separatists in Kashmir turned down an offer for talks made by members of the All Party delegation who landed in Srinagar on Sunday.
“We met the political parties, civil society, university teachers, Vice Chancellors, fruit growers, students and some intellectuals”, he said.
To a query on track-2 channel talks, Singh said he did not wish to enter in the debate of “track-1, track-2 or track-3”. “I am convinced that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir will improve”, he said. The delegation spoke to these people, the Governor and the Chief Minister of state and also officials of the state government.
Advertisement
It is highly unusual for someone in the topmost position of authority and responsibility in the Union Government to make a mention of unofficial private visits and actions of some parliamentarians in his opening statement, that too when the MPs are part of the same delegation.
