Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said that Government of India knows the ‘art’ to resolve Kashmir issue even without holding talks.
“Even if no one comes forward to hold talks, still we willresolve the Kashmir issue. I want to tell you whether talks are held, or not.But, we will resolve it. How it will happen? We know the art to end Kashmirissue. Kashmir kisamasyakahal ho key raheyga, duniyaki koi taqatnahi rookshaktihai (Resolution of Kashmir issue is bound to happen and no power on earthcan stop it),” Singh, said while addressing a gathering at Samba.
He asked the people to have faith in him and added”whatever I say, I say with full responsibility.”
“As Union Home Minister from 2014-19 in Modi Government Imade all possible efforts to hold talks with the people in Kashmir. However,there was cold response as no one came forward,” he said. “I tried my best topersuade the Kashmiri leaders for dialogue. I also asked the major politicalleaders, including then Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, to bring them ondialogue table. We did not stop here, we sent a Parliamentary delegation, butthey (separatists) closed their doors.”
Singh slammed theseparatists saying that “they are using children to pelt stones. The childrenof separatists are studying in foreign countries but they are spoiling ourfuture generations by pushing them towards stone pelting and violence.”
‘AZADI FOR KASHMIR NOT ACCEPTABLE’
The Union Home Minister said that “Azadi will not beacceptable to anyone in the country. Today, our nation is developing and entireworld has acknowledged the efforts of Prime Minister NarendraModi. Thoseseeking Azadi for Kashmir have failed to tell the youth what kind of Azadi theyare talking about. Which nation has inspired their Azadi? Whether they wantAzadi like Pakistan? Such Azadi won’t be acceptable to anyone,” he said.
Singh said that “Government of India wants to create such anatmosphere in Kashmir that the children – who are not only future of Kashmir,but of the country as well – contribute to make India strong. “
He said, “I want to see J&K as a paradise where touristsnot only from India, but from across the globe come. However, some elements aretrying to stop development in Kashmir, and destroy the communal brotherhood inthe Valley though their evil designs,” he added.
“Today our country is moving fast on every front andthe entire world is acknowledging this reality…(you) have faith that in thenext 10 to 11 years, India will replace America, Russia or China to become oneof the top three economies in the world,” he said.
“Prime Minister NarendraModi is of the same view…By2030-31, if we want India to join the three top economies of the world, we haveto speed up the work on basic infrastructure,” he said.
J&K WILL BECOME MILITANCY FREE SOON
“J&K will bemilitancy free soon. Not only India but international community has also joinedhands to collectively fight militancy,” Singh told reporters at Kathua.
Hinting at tough measures to curb militancy in Kashmir in acoordinated manner, Singh said that “the militancy in present scenario is aglobal concern and the nations that have suffered are ready to fightcollectively to end this menace.”
“Militants, who made Kashmir a hell, have beencontained to an extent successfully by force,” he said.
Lauding the Army, police and other security forces wereperforming their duties very well and “they will succeed”.
RECOLLECTS HIS TENURE AS UNION HOME MINISTER
Singh said that as former Union Home Minister he initiatedmany developmental works in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a rally in Samba Singh said that border residentsare ‘strategic assets’ for the Government. “Without the support of borderresidents success cannot be achieved. If the border areas are developed, nationis developed as well,” he said.
He said that ” As Union Home Minister I visited border areasmany a times with my colleague DrJitendra Singh. During my visits, I wasapprised about many issues being faced by the border residents.”
“One of their demands was to construct bunkers along theborder. As Union Home Minister I had sanctioned 15000 bunkers for the civilianpopulation along the International Border to remain safe during shelling fromPakistan,” he said.
“We enhanced thecompensation or ex-gratia for people and for cattle that get killed inshelling. And, same has been implemented by the government. Modi governmentpassed a bill giving three percent reservation to the border residents,” Singhadded.