On dialogue, Home Minister says separatists should first talk to JK Govt
Giving a stern message to separatists, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today warned that nobody would be allowed to wave Pakistani flags in Kashmir, maintaining that there would be no compromise on national security.
Addressing a gathering at a BJP function here, Rajnath Singh said, “ Although I am sure that the coalition government of Bhartiya Janta Party ( BJP) and Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) will complete its term and work as per the CMP, but if national security is compromised, we will not hesitate to come out of the government.” He added, “ We have no lust for power at the cost of national security.
Raising pro- Pak slogans and waving of its flags is unfortunate, and will not be tolerated at all.
He also said that there will be no discrimination with any region whether it is Jammu, Kashmir or Ladakh.
Singh also gave a strong message to Pakistan over ceasefire violations and infiltration.
“ We want cordial relations with our neighbor Pakistan, but if it indulges in such acts, we will give a befitting reply,” Singh said, adding, “ Last time when Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violations despite our repeated requests, I directed the troops to reply in the strongest possible terms.” “ The reply was such that the ceasefire violations have stopped since then.” He said that as compared to last year, infiltration has come down and also greater number of militants have been killed.
Later addressing a press conference, the Union Home Minister appealed the people, especially youth, not to fall in the trap of anti- national elements.
“ There are a few people in the Kashmir Valley who are involved in raising slogans like Pakistan Zindabad and wave its flag, but I appeal to the people of Kashmir not to get misled by them”, he said and added, “ These people are playing with the future of youth, therefore I appeal to the youth to cooperate with the government and give it time to implement its development agenda.” Give us an opportunity to work, Singh said.
Responding to a query on holding talks with separatists, Singh said, “ In democracy, everyone can talk as dialogue is a sign of healthy democracy. But I never ever said that talks will be held with the separatists. There is a process, they must talk to the elected government in the state first and then, if need be, they can talk to us as well.”
