Jammu, Sep 6: Union Residence Minister Amit Shah on Friday mentioned India will not be in favour of talks with Pakistan till terrorism ends, emphasizing that “talks and bombs can not go collectively”.
Shah made these remarks whereas releasing the BJP’s manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, dismissing any risk of dialogue with Pakistan amidst the continued terrorist actions.
Shah highlighted the numerous discount in terror-related incidents and stone-pelting in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 10 years, asserting that Article 370 has turn out to be “historical past” and can by no means return.
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“Talks and bombs can not go collectively. We’re not open to talks with Pakistan until terrorism ends. Nonetheless, we will definitely discuss to the youth of Kashmir,” Shah instructed reporters right here.
When requested in regards to the Nationwide Convention (NC) and Individuals’s Democratic Celebration (PDP) pushing for talks with Pakistan and the restoration of cross-LoC commerce, Shah responded, “Till terrorism ends and the trade-terror ecosystem is dismantled, we can not agree.”
Shah additionally criticized Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for remaining silent on the manifesto of the Nationwide Convention (NC) advocating the restoration of Article 370.
“Congress should reply whether or not it helps the NC’s agenda. Article 370 is historical past and nobody can convey it again,” he mentioned.
The minister accused the earlier governments of bowing to separatism, stating that peace, improvement and social justice returned after the abrogation of Article 370.
Shah arrived in Jammu on a two-day go to to kickstart the BJP’s marketing campaign for the upcoming meeting elections. This would be the first election in Jammu and Kashmir since its particular standing underneath Article 370 was revoked and it was reorganized into two Union territories in August 2019.
He mentioned the separatists as soon as held sway, making calls for.
“However after 2014, when the historical past of India and J&Okay is written, these 10 years might be highlighted in golden phrases,” he acknowledged.
Shah emphasised peace, prosperity and improvement over the previous decade.
“For years, Kashmir echoed with gunfire and bomb blasts. That modified within the final 10 years. Between 2004 and 2014, there have been 7,217 terror-related incidents, however from 2014 to 2024, the quantity dropped to 2,272 — a 70 per cent lower. Killings fell by 76 per cent, civilian casualties by 80 per cent, and there’s been a major drop in safety drive casualties.”
He added that stone-pelting incidents fell from 2,654 in 2010 to zero after August 2019 and Pakistan-sponsored strikes additionally dropped from 132 to zero.
“No deaths or accidents from stone-pelting, in comparison with 112 fatalities in earlier years,” Shah mentioned.
“Kashmir tourism has surged after 30 years. Night time reveals are actually widespread, and Shia processions are allowed after 32 years. File numbers attended the Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi pilgrimage,” he added.
Addressing considerations in regards to the separatists coming into politics, Shah mentioned, “I’ve no worries about separatists. The folks of Jammu and Kashmir have determined to help Narendra Modi in making J&Okay freed from terrorism.”
He additionally assured that the reservations granted to Gujjars, Bakerwals, Paharis, OBCs and Dalits wouldn’t be altered, responding to contradictions within the NC’s manifesto.
On the NC manifesto, Shah requested, “How can a celebration challenge such a manifesto with Congress backing it? Rahul Gandhi should make clear whether or not Congress agrees with NC’s agenda. A easy sure or no.”
“Silence received’t work. The NC agenda requires releasing stone pelters, reviewing instances of these arrested for terror hyperlinks, and restoring Article 370 with two flags,” he mentioned.
Shah additionally warned the NC about their stance on reservations. “I wish to inform Omar Abdullah—regardless of the result, we is not going to allow you to contact the reservations for Gujjars, Bakerwals, and Pahadis.”
Commenting on Abdullah’s determination to contest from two seats, Shah remarked, “He was initially hesitant on account of concern, however now he’s contesting two seats. Nonetheless, the individuals are not with him.”
Shah additionally mentioned the rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri migrants, stating {that a} coverage for his or her everlasting settlement is within the works and efforts to return properties bought underneath duress through the peak of terrorism are ongoing.
On the restoration of statehood, Shah reiterated that it might be restored at an acceptable time. “There’s no reluctance. The demand for statehood is getting used to mislead folks.”
Responding to Rahul Gandhi’s remark that outsiders have been ruling Jammu and Kashmir, Shah mentioned, “Presidential rule was extra prevalent underneath the Congress. The so-called leaders have been in London whereas folks right here suffered.”
He emphasised that safety measures underneath the Narendra Modi’s authorities have been absolutely applied and reassured the general public that nobody ought to concern the longer term.
When requested about Abdullah’s declare that the Muslims wouldn’t be suppressed within the valley, Shah dismissed it, saying, “There’s no suppression occurring in Kashmir.”
He additionally dominated out the potential for a hung meeting in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the BJP would discover different potentialities, however dynastic rule by the PDP, NC and Congress was out of the query. (AGENCIES)