Govt open for all-party meet on Kashmir, says Rajnath
18 July, New Delhi
Emboldened by the support it received from entire spectrum of the politics on dealing with the unrest in Kashmir, the government Monday indicated that it was having an open mind on calling an all-party meet on the issue to bring peace and normalcy back in Jammu and Kashmir.
Replying to a short duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha over the turmoil in the Valley which resulted in a huge loss of lives and property, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh hit out at Pakistan for fermenting unrest and meddling in India’s internal matter.
Sharing his pain and anguish over the loss of innocent lives in the violent clashes triggered in the wake of gunning down of Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani, Mr Singh assured the House that the Centre has cautioned the security forces as well as state police to exercise maximum restraint while dealing with the protestors.
“We will deal firmly with terrorists with full sympathy towards civilians,” Singh said, adding that there was no space for “havaniyat” (terrorism).
He thanked the house for lending crucial support to the Government in its efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability back in the state.
“I am in constant touch with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. I also intend to visit Kashmir as soon as the situation permits,” the Minister said.
He said the government was having an open mind and ready to take all measures, including an all-party meet to initiate the political process.