Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has given a direct message to Pakistan from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the day Pakistan stops spreading terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, we will be ready to talk to it. Singh, who came to campaign for the party in Banihal Assembly, said that Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was removed to remove the problems of the people and make the region prosperous. He said that as long as the BJP is in power, this article will not be restored.
The National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have called for talks with Pakistan in their election manifestos. Without naming the parties, Singh said, “Some people want us to talk to Pakistan. I want to tell them…Pakistan has to stop supporting terrorism. Who would not want to improve relations with neighbouring countries? We all want this, because I know the reality that you can change your friend but not your neighbour. We want better relations with Pakistan, but first they have to stop terrorism.” The Defence Minister said that when Pakistan stops sponsoring terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, India will start talks with it.
Most of the people who have lost their lives in terrorist incidents in Kashmir are Muslims: Rajnath Singh
The Defence Minister said that 85 per cent of the people who fell prey to terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir were Muslims. Terrorist incidents were common in Kashmir. Were Hindus being killed in terrorist incidents? I have been the Home Minister and I know that most of the Muslims lost their lives in terrorist incidents.
Accusing the National Conference and the PDP of sympathizing with terrorists, the Defence Minister said that the BJP has largely eliminated terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that we will not tolerate terrorist activities at any cost. Is it acceptable to you that terrorists kill Hindus, Muslims or Christians?
Question to PDP and NC, who created the atmosphere of terror in Kashmir
Singh questioned who created the atmosphere of terror in Jammu and Kashmir – the BJP or those who ruled Jammu and Kashmir for a long time? The Defence Minister said that change is visible in Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorism has reduced and roads, highways and government schemes are reaching every corner of the Union Territory. He said that the Congress, National Conference and PDP never did justice to Jammu and Kashmir and always pursued discriminatory policies.
