Rajnath Condemns Separatists, Orders Their Security Be Reviewed

Rajnath said that civilian traffic will be restricted on major roads in J&K during the movement of army convoys.

Rajnath Singh addresses media after a high-level security review meeting in the wake of Pulwama attack.

(Photo: PTI)

In the aftermath of the attack on CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday, 15 February attacked the separatist forces in the country saying, "There are some elements who take money from Pakistan and ISI. I have told the officers that the security provided to such people should be reviewed."

Expressing fear over the future of youth in the state, Singh further lashed at the "separatists elements" in J&K and claimed that they are involved in conspiring terror activities.

Singh’s statements were made after a high-level security review meeting, where he also announced that civilian traffic will be restricted on highways and major roads in Jammu and Kashmir during the movement of convoys of army and security forces.

“Civilian traffic movement will be restricted for some time during movement of army and security forces convoys. This may cause inconvenience and I apologise for this but this is necessary for safety of jawans.”

Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister

The home minister is on a visit to the state following the terror attack in Pulwama that claimed lives of at least 40 CRPF soldiers. Earlier in the day, the home minister along with J&K governor Satya Pal Malik paid tribute to the CRPF soilders who were martyred in the valley’s deadliest attack.

‘Will Win This Decisive War Against Terror’

During the media briefing, Singh said that the centre has requested state governments to extend support to the bereaved family.

“I have requested state governments to extend the maximum help they can lend to the bereaved families. The morale has not taken a hit. We'll see this fight against terrorism to the end.”

Delay in Resolution of Kashmir Issue Wreaking Havoc in Valley: Separatists

On Friday, separatist leaders Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik in a statement said that they regret every killing on Kashmir's soil, PTI reported.

“The delay in the resolution of the Kashmir dispute... is wreaking havoc in Kashmir especially,” the statement read.

"If killing and counter killings have to stop and if we really want peace in the region, we have to put an end to hostilities... engage and listen to the concerns of all three stakeholders and address them in the spirit of humanity and justice. Resolve the Kashmir dispute for all times," they added.

(With inputs from PTI.)