Kashmir youth impress Rajnath with dialogue during visit

Home ministry officials said Union home minister Rajnath Singh, who returned from a four-day visit of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) earlier this week, is quite taken by

Home ministry officials said Union home minister Rajnath Singh, who returned from a four-day visit of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) earlier this week, is quite taken by Kashmiri students whom he met during his stay in Srinagar.

Rajnath Singh, along with MoS, PMO, Jitender Singh (L) and J-K deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh arrives to address a press conference in Srinagar on Monday. (PTI Photo)

Singh met close to 70 delegations during his visit which included politicians, businessmen, traders and students.

“Three to four groups of young students had come to meet Mr Rajnath and the minister was extremely impressed by what they had to say. The students were exceptional in their approach on every issue...” a senior home ministry official said.

According to the official, the students told Singh they wanted career opportunities inside Kashmir, greater transparency between the government and citizenry, and most importantly, peace in the Valley

“ They wanted him to speak to Hurriyat leaders to which Mr Rajnath responded that he had already made it clear that anyone who liked to talk to him on Kashmir issue is more than welcomed...” the official told HT.

According to another official.the home minister, after meeting the students, is of the view that they are some of the main stakeholders in the state . “There will be a special focus on children below 18 years of age.Plans on future schemes, education opportunities and career counselling are some of the areas that need to be worked on,” the official added.