Open to talks with all: Rajnath to Kashmir separatists

Reaching out to Kashmir separatists with an offer of talks, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said a dialogue needs “right-minded people” and not necessarily like-minded people to succeed.

"We can talk to anyone. We are open to talks with all. But talks should be for peace. ... you need not speak to like-minded people but it is important to talk to right-minded people," he told reporters at a press conference here.

“It will not take time to address the Kashmir problem. This government is firm to resolve it,” he asserted.

However, Rajnath lashed out at separatists alleging they were misguiding Kashmiri youth. “They (separatists) can play any kind of politics, but they should not play with the future of children. These children are not only the children of Kashmir, but also of India, they are an asset. This is why we have withdrawn cases against 10,000 stone-pelting children of the state,” he said.

The home minister said they (separatists) give their children the best of education and hand out stones to the children of others. “What is this? I always felt there is a lot of talent in the youth here; IAS, IIM etc results are a proof. Youth are being misguided by certain forces,” he added.

On the possibility of extension of Ramzan ceasefire, the Home Minister evaded a direct answer. “The suspension of operation is on so far. We will review it. Any decision will be taken after all opinions are on board. Don’t rule out any possibility,” he said.

Extension of ceasefire

While Mehbooba Mufti led state government wants the ceasefire to be extended beyond Eid, sources said that army field commanders have argued how militants were able to regroup and recruit boys with the cessation of hostilities only on one side.

Rajnath said militants should understand that terrorism has no religion. He also offered help to Pakistan if the neighbouring country was unable to deal with terrorism. “If Pakistan is unable to stop terrorism from its soil on its own, it should take India’s help. Terrorism has no religion. It can engulf anyone.”

Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit, earlier had a one-on-one meeting with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, and they discussed the overall security situation in the state.