‘Mehbooba must understand sentiments of people’
People have full faith in PM’s words
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 22: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today declared that time has come for decisive battle against militants and separatism will not be allowed at any cost in the Kashmir valley even as he took a dig at former BJP ally and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti saying she should understand sentiments of the country prevailing in the aftermath of dastardly Pulwama attack.
Rajnath stated this in an interview to Republic Bharat to be telecast tomorrow. The channel has, however, released selected tweets of the interview.
“Ab Samay Aa Gaya Hai Ki Aatank Kay Khilaaf Nirnayak Ladai Ho (Time has come for decisive war against the militancy),” Rajnath Singh said, adding that entire international community is united and a decisive war will be fought against the militancy.
Coming down heavily on Kashmir separatists, the Home Minister made it very clear that separatism will not be allowed to run in the Kashmir valley.
“Separatism won’t run in the Valley now. We won’t allow this to run,” he declared.
During past few days after terror attack on CRPF bus in Pulwama in which 44 CRPF jawans were martyred, the State Government has withdrawn security cover of a number of separatist leaders besides some mainstream politicians. During his visit to Kashmir a day after Pulwama attack, Rajnath had hinted at review of security cover to separatists.
Rajnath said security has been withdrawn from those, who were hobnobbing or taking funds from Pakistan.
The Home Minister also had a word of advice for PDP president and ex-Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, a former BJP ally.
“Mehbooba Mufti Desh Kay Jazbaton Ko Nahin Samajh Paa Rahi Hai, Unhen Samajhna Chahiye (Mehbooba Mufti is not understanding sentiments of the country, she should understand),” he said.
Rajnath reiterated that Kashmir was, is and will always remained integral part of India and no power in this word can separate it from the country.
In a stern warning to Pakistan, the Home Minister said time for talks (with Pakistan) has ended and now the neighbouring country will have to improve itself as entire world is standing with India unitedly on the issue of terrorism, which is a major victory of our country.
“People of the country have full faith in Narendra Modi Government. They know that this Government is committed and dedicated. It does what it says. This Government is not weak, but very powerful. Our Prime Minister is not like that he will not do what he says. Whatever he has said, people of the country fully realize. They have faith in him,” Rajnath said on anger among the people over Pulwama attack and called for taking revenge.
Asserting that Pakistan has committed a big mistake (by masterminding Pulwama attack), the Home Minister said the Central Government will take all strategic, diplomatic, political and Constitutional steps to deal with Pakistan.
“The Prime Minister’s statement that martyrdom of the jawans won’t go in vain carries a strong message. People know meaning of the message very clearly,” he said, adding that the External Affairs Ministry has already reacted to the statement of Pakistan Prime Minister (Imran Khan).
Strongly opposing playing cricket with Pakistan, Rajnath Singh said: “we can’t even think of playing cricket with Pakistan after Pulwama attack. Whatever losses we have to suffer, we shouldn’t play with them”. He lauded approach of Bollywood post-Pulwama attack.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today urged the ASEAN nations and the international community to support India’s fight against terrorism.
Delivering the valedictory address at the 4th India-ASEAN Expo and Summit here, Singh said an environment of peace and security are prerequisites for trade and commerce to flourish.
“This summit must acknowledge the fact and ensure that the soil of any country should not be used for propagating terrorism,” he said, appealing to the ASEAN countries and other nations to support India’s fight against terrorism.
Referring to the “gruesome cowardly” terrorist attack in Pulwama, where 44 CRPF jawans were martyred, the Home Minister said there exists immense potential to strengthen and deepen cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, violent extremism and radicalisation through information sharing, law enforcement cooperation and capacity building and anti-money laundering and countering terror-financing.
Talking on the trade potential between India and the ASEAN nations, Singh said more than half of India’s foreign trade now goes to the East.
The Home Minister called for increased people-to-people contact, connectivity and trade ties with the ASEAN nations.
“Strengthening India’s economic relations with the countries in the East is one of the main objectives of India’s ‘Act East Policy’,” he said.
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