*Chapter of disturbance will come to close
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, May 21: Union Minister of State in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) Dr Jitendra Singh today hinted at “decisive action” against all those fomenting trouble in the Kashmir valley including Hurriyat Conference, separatists etc and declared that the “chapter of disturbance” will come to a close.
Dropping enough indications of what was in store for the militants, Dr Jitendra Singh told a questioner at ‘Round Table Media Conclave’ of Aaj Tak news channel that 30 militants, who were reportedly moving in South Kashmir, “will not move for long”.
Replying to volley of questions by the News Editors of the channel at the conclave this afternoon, Dr Jitendra Singh declared that this chapter…the chapter of disturbances…the chapter which you are referring to in the Kashmir valley will come to a close. “You will see as the things unfold. It’s not for me to spell out everything here,” he said.
Replying to a question that the Government was not acting against Hurriyat Conference and separatists despite evidence of their involvement in hawala money and other undesirable activities, Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also a Lok Sabha member from Jammu and Kashmir, hinted at “decisive action” against all the elements, who were fomenting trouble in the Kashmir valley-be it the Hurriyat Conference, separatists, militants, stone pelters etc.
Also indicating tough action against the militants, he said 30 militants, which the questioners claimed were moving freely in South Kashmir, will not move long. “Such things are not going to last long”.
To a specific question that time has come for ban on Hurriyat Conference, the MoS in PMO, however, said that it would be out of turn for him to speak on this.
“I shouldn’t be answering this question. Representing Jammu and Kashmir didn’t mean that I would take every decision. There is the Ministry of Homes Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, who were taking call on this. The law of land should take its course,” he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh said he agreed that it was more of a “mercenary terrorism” and not a freedom fight and added that Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has made it clear in his statement in Srinagar that all those disturbing peace in the Valley will have to face action.
“Hurriyat Conference is not faithful to its own people or even to the cause they are perpetuating. If the cause is so holy to them (the Hurriyat Conference), they should have set an example by handing over stones in the hands of their kin and not sending them abroad for studies. If they were sincere to their cause, they would have followed the example of Mahatma Gandhi and Guru Govind Singh,” the Union Minister asserted.
Referring to the killing of young Army officer Lt Ummer Fayaz by the militants in Shopian recently and the fear of insecurity and protection to the youth, Dr Jitendra Singh declared: “the forces, which have become a challenge to security and protection of the youth will be contained. That’s what we are doing…that’s what we are working for… that’s what we strives to achieve. And you will see the results”.
The Union Minister told the Round Table Media Conclave that it was not he who was saying this but they can go to the borders and talk to the people, who have categorically been stating that this was for the first time when troops were giving such a befitting reply to Pakistan.
On political initiative, Dr Jitendra Singh said it shouldn’t be presumed that nothing is happening.
“Don’t assume that. These are the security related and confidential matters, which can’t be shared on the channels. Things are moving. Very good initiatives are being taken. The results will be before the people very soon,” he added.
Asserting that majority of people in the Kashmir valley especially the common man and, more so, the youth want to become part of development journey of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said the media should talk to the people of Kashmir and ascertain their views. He pointed out that 68,000 Kashmiri youth have applied for 700 posts in police defying diktats of militants and separatists.
The Union Minister said Congress, which ruled the country for 67 years, must be held accountable and responsible for what was happening in Kashmir today. “We are paying for the sins committed by the Congress for 67 years,” he lamented.
On PDP-BJP tie-up, Dr Singh said both had emerged largest parties after the Assembly elections and the Alliance was mandated by the people. “It was a natural tie-up”.
On radicalization of youth, he said it was a world-wide phenomenon and there was a need to maintain guard in the vulnerable areas.
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