Srinagar, New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh Sunday appealed for peace in Jammu and Kashmir and asked Pakistan not to interfere in Kashmir’s affairs.
“I appeal to people to restore peace and normality” in the Kashmir Valley, the minister told media at the end of a two-day visit to the troubled valley.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was very concerned over the situation in the valley, where over 45 people have been killed in street protests since the July 8 killing of militant commander Burhan Wani, he said.
Saying the Indian government would never tolerate terrorism, the minister said while Pakistan carried out operations against militants in Lal Masjid in Islamabad, they encouraged the youth to take up arms in Kashmir.
“This should stop … Pakistani’s role is not right. They must change their attitude and mindset vis-a-vis Jammu and Kashmir.” Singh also expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the days of unrest. He urged security forces to avoid using pellet guns that have blinded several protesters.
He said a dialogue can take place to resolve whatever differences people may have in Jammu and Kashmir as authorities lifted the ongoing curfew from four districts of the Kashmir Valley, yesterday, since the law and order situation showed marginal improvement.
The districts were Ganderbal, Badgam, Bandipora and Baramulla, police confirmed.
The state government has already ordered school re-openings in these four districts.
Officials said curfew and restrictions would, however, continue in parts of Srinagar city.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the “marriage of convenience” between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not working in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the Modi government should try to win the hearts of Kashmiris, which cannot be won through financial packages.
He said there is a lack of economic development and employment opportunities for young people.
More interest needed
“The Centre needs to do much more. There has to be dialogue with the people of Kashmir,” the Congress party’s chief whip said, adding that there is a need to create an environment of peace and tranquillity, growth and development in the state. “We are willing to work together with the government in the interest of Kashmir,” Scindia said.
He said an all-party delegation needed to visit the state to assess the situation.
— Agencies
