New Delhi: In Kashmir for a fresh outreach after nearly 70 people were killed in violent clashes in a month, Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday promised to look into alternatives to pellet guns used against civilian protesters, while indicating a possibility of talks with separatists.
“A committee set up to look into alternatives to pellet guns will give its report soon. We feel the need to have an alternative. We have asked security forces to exercise maximum restraint and they are doing that,” Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Kashmir Valley, told reporters.
Addressing a joint press conference with Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Chief Minister (CM) Mehbooba Mufti, Singh sought people’s cooperation to maintain peace and order in the state.
Asked whether the government would talk to the separatist Hurriyat leaders, Singh said, “we are willing to talk to anyone within the scope of Kashmiriyat (Kashmiri spirit), Jamooriyat (democracy) and Insaniyat (humanity).”
Singh said delegations from almost every political party have met him since he arrived in Srinagar.
“Children are children. If they pick up stones, they must be counselled,” Singh said, appealing to all Kashmiris not to play with the future of youth in the Valley.
He stressed that the future of India cannot exist without the future of Kashmir.
“I have said it before also, youth in Kashmir should have pens, books and computers in their hands, not stones,” he averred.
The Home Minister said both the central government and the state government are working towards early resolution of unrest in the state. He pointed out that he met more than 300 people besides the mainstream political parties.
The Centre will also set up a nodal agency for Kashmiris living outside the state.
“In case of any problem, they can contact it. I have appealed to people to treat Kashmiris like their brethren and instill confidence among Kashmiri students,” the Home Minister stated.
He also informed that an all-party delegation would soon visit Kashmir to review the situation in the wake of clashes after the July eight killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani.
Chief Minister Mufti said 95 per cent population of Kashmir was in favour of peaceful resolution of the issue.
“Only 5 per cent are resorting to violence and they will be dealt as per the law. There are some elements who use children as shield. They push them into the fire by sending them to attack security establishments,” she stated.
“I want a solution to the problem but this violence is not the way. There cannot be a solution to Kashmir through violence. The issue should be resolved with dialogue,” Mufti added.
During his talks with political leaders in the Valley, Singh was told that the Centre needs to initiate dialogue with all stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the Kashmir problem.
He also held separate meetings with heads of para-military forces and the state police chief to understand their working conditions and also to inquire if they had any operational requirement.
