Kashmir issue solution is on the cards: Rajnath | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Kashmir issue solution is on the cards: Rajnath

Hindustan Times, Pandori | By
Jul 21, 2019 12:59 AM IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recalled that he tried to involve all stakeholders to find a meaningful solution to the Kashmir crisis.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday assured the country that a solution to the vexed Kashmir issue was on the cards and Jammu and Kashmir would get rid of militancy soon.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, inaugurates the Ujh Bridge in district Kathua of Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday.(Nitin Kanotra / Hindustan Times)
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, along with Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, inaugurates the Ujh Bridge in district Kathua of Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday.(Nitin Kanotra / Hindustan Times)

Kashmir samasya ka hal jaldi hone wala hai (the resolution of the Kashmir issue is on the cards). I am assuring it with full responsibility,” Singh told a gathering after inaugurating a bridge over the Ujh river in Kathua district built at a cost of Rs 50 crore.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

He said as home minister in the previous Narendra Modi government, he had made numerous attempts to hold talks with stakeholders to thrash out a solution to the decades-old dispute.

“I don’t think any other home minister has taken more initiatives to resolve the issue as I did in my five-year tenure. I tried many times and appealed to them (stakeholders) to come to the negotiating table to find a meaningful solution. I took an all-party delegation to Kashmir to hold talks with all stakeholders. But everyone saw that the separatists did not open their door to a few members of the delegation that went to hold talks with them and they had to return from their door without meeting them,” Singh said.

Hinting that the government could take a tough posture, he continued, “We know how to find a solution. I am assuring you that the Kashmir issue will be resolved soon and no force can stop that from coming true. If the so-called stakeholders do not want a resolution from talks, rest assured we know how to find the solution.”

Taking a dig at separatists, Singh said, “While such elements entice gullible youths to indulge in stone-throwing on the streets and trigger disturbance, their children study and work aboard. But they instigate youths to demand azadi. Are they are seeking that same freedom as is being witnessed on the streets of Pakistan?”

He assured that the region would soon be free of militancy. “Subversive elements had disturbed the atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. However, security forces have valiantly contained terrorism in the state. Not just in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorism will end everywhere. The way the international community has united to eradicate the menace of terrorism, I feel the entire region will be rid of terrorism,” he said.

The defence minister described border dwellers as “strategic assets”. “While security forces do discharge their duties along the International Border and the Line of Control, people living on the borders play a very strategic role. Unfortunately, such people have been neglected for many decades and deprived of development despite their huge contribution,” he said.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On