The Central Government on Monday for the first time made its stand public on the contentious issue of Article 35 A. Addressing the media in Srinagar Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh blamed ‘vested interests’ for creating a hype on what he termed as a non issue. Answering a question about the controversy created about abrogation of Article 35-A, the home minister said: ” some vested interests are creating a hype over the issue . We will never do anything the against the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir . The central government has not done anything in this regard. However, whatever, we will do , people’s aspirations will be taken care of .There are no issues left that is why such issues are being raised.”
Going a step further the Union home minister also enumerated 5-Cs solution to end the Kashmir crisis besides reiterating his government’s intentions of taking all the stakeholders on board to restore the paradise tag.
Rajnath Singh said: “Our government is keen for the permanent solution of the Kashmir problem and I want to implement five point programme which could be called as 5-Cs ; compassion , communication , co-existence , confidence building measures and consistency.”
“We want Kashmiri’s to spend life with honour and dignity without terrorism. And also people from across the country to visit the valley without fear . I appeal to the tourists to come and visit Kashmir valley, there is no danger here . Kashmiris are waiting for you with open arms,” Singh told the media persons.
The Union Home Minister said PM Narendra Modi in his I-Day speech clearly said, neither by bullet: nor by abuses but by hugging we can solve the problem of Kashmir. ” We are carrying forward the same formula to end violence in Jammu and Kashmir ,” Home minister told reporters before leaving for jammu division.
To a question about involving Pakistan in talks as well for the resolution of Kashmir problem, the home minister said, the neighbor is non co-operative which is reflected by its activities like sponsoring ‘terrorism’ in Kashmir, infiltrating militants and even pumping in funds for orchestrating trouble in Kashmir.
“Our prime minister went to Pakistan to attend the wedding of the former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharief ‘s ward which goes to prove our intentions that we always wanted friendship with Pakistan . But Pakistan never responded to our friendship gestures ,” Singh said.
Asked about the allegations that NIA was being used to pressurise separatists, Singh said it is an independent investigating agency and the law will takes its own course.
“We have nothing to do with it. They must have evidence based on which they are acting,” he added.
Asked if any of the 55 delegations raised the issue of revocation of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state, Singh said no one raised this issue.
On the use of pellet guns for crowd control, the home minister said this equipment was being used very sparingly now.
“Last year we looked into the alternatives to pellet guns and introduced PAVA (grenades). Though it was not very effective, the pellet guns have been used less compared to earlier,” he said.
The Union Home minister, who is currently on 4-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir , said that he met 55-delegations during his two stay in Srinagar . “I gathered that the situation in Kashmir has improved enormously and I could see a ray of further improvement in the security situation in the Kashmir valley in coming future,” HM Rajnath singh added.
“Kashmiri’s want peace .Militants have destroyed their (kashmiris’) generations and we will not allow it to happen now . The poor and business community have suffered the most during this militancy. Tourism was major casualty of the militancy in Kashmir ,” home minister said.
“The trees of peace have not dried up in Kashmir and leaves would again turn green which in turn would help restore the lost glory of the Kashmir valley which is called as heaven on earth,” he said.
“While giving tributes to Kashmir policemen, the face of ASI Abdul Rashid’s daughter, Zohra was passing through my mind. We want every face in Kashmir to smile,” he said.
He said the issue of disturbed area allowance to state policemen on the pattern of central armed forces was being considered.
On the developmental front the minister said: “I have reviewed the progress on the implementation of Prime Minister’s developmental package for the state. From the initially slotted Rs 85,000 crore, it will now cross one hundred thousand crore”.
On the use of pellet guns during crowd control, he said: “During crowd control, we have to act. We introduced the PAVA gun to replace the pellet gun, but I was told it is not very effective. In comparison to past, less people have been injured during crowd control in the Valley during the past months.”
Asked whether political party delegations had sought revocation of AFSPA during their meetings with him, the Union Minister said: “No delegation talked about AFSPA during meetings with me here.”
Later Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh reached Jammu from Rajouri, on the third leg of his four day visit to Jammu & Kashmir.
He was accompanied by Minister of State for the Development of North Eastern Region, Prime Minister’s Office and Department of Space, Dr Jitendra Singh and Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh.
Union Home Minister was received by Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta and Minister for Information, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Zulfkar Ali at Jammu Airport from where he proceeded to Convention Centre Jammu to meet various political and civil society delegations from Jammu region.
Member Parliament, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Legislators Ajatshatru, Vikram Randhawa, Rajesh Gupta and senior officers of civil administration and police were also preset at the Convention Centre Jammu.
Earlier today at the conclusion of his visit to the Valley, Rajnath Singh addressed a press conference in Srinagar before leaving for Rajouri.
