Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who arrived in Jammu and Kashmir for a two-day visit on Thursday, 7 June, slammed Pakistan for "nurturing terrorists", saying that the neighbouring country "should take India's help if it cannot control terrorism on its soil."
Addressing the media in Srinagar, the home minister, who is reviewing the security situation in the state, also lashed out at the separatists and made an attempt to reach out to J&K's youth, saying:
They (the separatists) can play any kind of politics, but they should not play with the future of children. These children are not only children of Kashmir, but also of India. They are an asset. Keeping this in mind, we took back cases against first-time stone-pelters.Rajnath Singh
Citing the performance of the state in UPSC and CAT examinations, Rajnath said he always felt that "there is a lot of talent among the youth here". "(But) youths are being misguided by certain forces," he added.
‘You Need to Be Right-Minded to Have Talks’
As regards the government's stance, the home minister said:
...No matter how many obstacles come in our way, we will not be deterred in our aim to bring lasting peace to Kashmir.Rajnath Singh
He also lauded the security forces, saying that the army and the police have worked with "utmost restraint".
We are open to talks with all. You don’t need to be like-minded to talk, but you do need to be right-minded.Rajnath Singh
Earlier on Thursday, the Home Minister held a meeting with CM Mehbooba Mufti, the state Governor NN Vohra and other senior officials over various development issues as well as the upcoming Amarnath Yatra.
Rajnath is scheduled to visit border district of Kupwara on Friday morning.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
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