‘Be prepared for all possibilities’: RSS chief Bhagwat ahead of Taliban talks

Bhagwat said India should be militarily alert at all times in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday cautioned India must be “prepared for all possibilities” as it prepares to take part in talks with the Taliban hosted by Russia next week.

Bhagwat also underlined the need to “accelerate” the “emotional integration” of the people of J&K with the rest of the country. (PTI file photo)

In his annual Vijayadashami speech, Bhagwat said India should be militarily alert at all times in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. “…Keeping the channels for dialogue open and considering the scope for a change of (Taliban) heart, India must be prepared for all possibilities,” he said. “Taliban may have changed, but has Pakistan changed? Has China changed its intent towards India? Considering the possibility of a change of heart, of dialogue solving issues, we still need to be prepared,” he said. He cautioned against the support countries such as Russia, Turkey, China, and Pakistan have shown to the Taliban.

India has opted for a wait-and-watch policy and stressed that Afghanistan should not become a safe haven for terrorists and terror groups should not be allowed to use Afghan soil. It has announced it will participate in the meeting being hosted by Russia involving the Taliban next week. China, Pakistan, and Iran will also attend the talks with the Taliban in Moscow.

Some security analysts have linked developments in Afghanistan with the re-emergence of terror in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

Against this backdrop, Bhagwat underlined the need to “accelerate” the “emotional integration” of the people of J&K with the rest of the country.

“Terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir have restarted the spate of targeted violence against national-minded people, especially Hindus to lower their morale and re-establish the reign of terror in the Valley. Efforts for curbing and finishing off the terrorist activities needs speeding up,” he said, days after targeted attacks left seven civilians dead in Kashmir amid a spike in violence there.

Bhagwat also called for stepping up vigilance along borders from where intrusions and attacks have happened stealthily. He underlined the need for ramping up internal security.