SRINAGAR/JAMMU: An all-party delegation seeking to end turbulence in Kashmir concluded its two-day visit with no breakthrough, but Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh saw some positives even as he lashed out at the separatists for their refusal to meet the MPs.
Visibly unhappy at the stubborn refusal of Hurriyat leaders to meet some MPs who had literally knocked at their doors in Srinagar yesterday, Singh said that their conduct was against democracy, humanity or even ‘Kashmiriyat’ (Kashmiri ethos).
Singh led the delegation of 26 MPs from 20 parties which stayed overnight in Srinagar before stopping over in Jammu this afternoon. After spending a few hours in Jammu, it returned to Delhi.
The Home Minister disagreed with the view that the mission was a failure and said the delegation had “very good interactions” with individuals and groups. The delegation would meet in Delhi and discuss the future action plan.
Before winding up the Kashmir leg of the visit, Singh sent out a clear message to separatists, asserting that the State will “always” remain an integral part of India.
“There should be no doubt that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will always be integral part of India,” he said at a press conference in Srinagar.
“As far as talks are concerned, our doors are open to everyone who wants peace and normalcy. Not only doors, even our ventillators are open for talks,” Singh said.
He said he was aware that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had written letters to separatist leaders inviting them for talks with the delegation. (AGENCIES)
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