SRINAGAR : Home Minister Rajnath Singh today lashed out at Hurriyat leaders in Kashmir after their refusal to hold talks with members of the all-party delegation, saying the separatists’ behaviour showed they do not believe in Kashmiriyat, insaniyat (humanity) or jamhooriyat (democracy).
Singh asserted that “the doors and windows for dialogue” on Kashmir were always open but ruled out any talks with Pakistan on the issue in near future saying, “Let us first talk with the people within our country”.
“Some members of delegation went to meet Hurriyat leaders in their individual capacity. We neither said ‘Yes’ nor ‘No’ (to the move).
“The information given by the delegates (about how the members were treated) makes it clear that it is neither Kashmiriyat nor insaniyat,” Singh, who is leading the delegation, told reporters on the second day of its visit.
“The members had gone to hold talks but by refusing to talk, they have shown that they (separatists) do no believe in jamhooriyat as well,” the Minister said, coming down heavily on the separatists who yesterday snubbed attempts by MPs like CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, CPI’s D Raja, JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, RJD’s Jay Prakash Narayan and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi to reach out to them.
At hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s residence, the gate was not even opened for the MPs while people shouted slogans outside.
Singh evaded a direct reply to a question about BJP support or otherwise to the move by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to write to the separatists urging them to engage with the delegation for resolution of Kashmir issue.
“Yes, I have information about that …. She had written a letter,” he said without specifying whether BJP, which is ally of PDP in the state government, supported the move.
In response to another question, the Home Minister said he did not want to go into the debate about back channel talks with the separatists or appointment of a fresh team of interlocutors on Kashmir.
“Track one, Track Two, Track Three … I do not want to get into this debate,” he said.
The Home Minister said like his previous visits to Kashmir since the unrest began in the Valley, he had expressed his willingess for talks with anyone who wants peace and normalcy in the state.
Singh said they were ready for dialogue on Kashmir but made it clear that it will be only held within the ambit of the Constitution.
“There are no two opinions that Jammu and Kashmir was, is and will remain an integral part of India.
“I know people of Kashmir also want this.
“Not only our doors but windows are also open for talks,” the Union Minister said. (AGENCIES)
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