No talk on AFSPA, but pained by cops killed in Valley: What Rajnath Singh said during Kashmir visit

In Jammu and Kashmir on a four-day visit from September 9-12 to find solutions to the Kashmir issue among other agendas, the Union Home Minister today convened a press conference.

Addressing the press in Srinagar, Rajnath Singh reimposed his faith in Kashmir's efforts to reconcile and settle the dispute with the Centre, that has been aching both for years.

He said, "What I have seen during last two, three days has convinced me that the trees of peace have not dried up. I can see green buds of peace on these trees."

Before leaving for his tour, Rajnath Singh had said that he would meet anyone who is willing to resolve the Kashmir conflict with peace and not arms. He reiterated that he was open to all shareholders in the peace-making effort.

"I have met non-political people including students, teachers, things are improving with every passing day. The situation may not have improved completely, but it is improving. I don't want to leave out anyone with whom dialogue is possible," he added.

ABOUT KASHMIR'S SON

He said he was moved to tears while paying tributes to slain policemen in south Kashmir.

"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 home 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".

The minister also said that children must have been pushed by motivators to commit crimes and they should not be treated as criminals.

"They must be dealt under juvenile justice system and not be put into jails. They must be properly counselled. I told security forces that no excesses should be committed during operations."

He blamed terrorists for destroyed generations of Kashmir and reaffirmed that the government will not allow another generation to be destroyed.

ON PELLET GUNS

"Poor people and businessman, youth with positive attitude and tourism industry have immensely suffered. After a wrong message went out, tourists stopped coming here. I want to send them a message that the people of Kashmir are ready to receive you, there is no danger here," he said.

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."

With inputs from IANS

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