Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, who was on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday said that ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) must stop as talks and aggression can’t go together.
“Firing from across the border must stop as the ceasefire is in itself a Confidence Building Measure. Talks and aggression can’t go together. For the situation to normalise, it is important that ceasefire violations stop,” he said while addressing a press conference here at the conclusion of his two-day visit to the state.
Jaitley, on a maiden trip to Jammu and Kashmir as defence minister, said his only purpose of visit was to review situation on the Line of Control (LoC) and security preparedness. “And after the assessment, as I told you earlier, I see that we are fully prepared and I am going back with a sense of reasonable satisfaction,” he added.
He said, “Obviously, there are forces which are inimical to India, which would not like peace to continue. But I am reasonably confident that the strength of India won’t allow such elements to create trouble in the country.” He said the new government at the Centre was prepared to talk to separatists within the framework of the Constitution.
“We are prepared for a dialogue with anyone who is ready to talk to us within the framework of the Indian Constitution and India’s sovereignty. These are two issues on which there can be no compromise,” Jaitley said. On revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the state, Jaitley said, “I am not in position to comment.”
On sanction to prosecute armed forces personnel accused of human rights violations, he said, “Each case is decided on its own merits. In case the permission has no basis, then it (prosecution) certainly cannot be allowed.”
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