Rajnath reiterates talks offer to all stakeholders

SRINAGAR: Reiterating that the Centre was ready to hold talks with all stakeholders, Union Home Minster Rajnath Singh on Thursday said for initiating dialogue, a like-minded approach is not necessary, but being right-minded is necessary.

”We have appointed our representative Dineshwar Sharma, who has visited Jammu and Kashmir 17 times not for picnic, but to hold talks with the stakeholders,” Mr Singh told a news conference here.

”Talks can be held with everyone. Being like-minded is not necessary, but right-minded is necessary. Come forward, as we cannot lost one more generation,” he said.

However, he did not answer when repeatedly asked whether a formal invitation was sent to Hurriyat Conference (HC) for talks. ”Whatever I had to say, I have said it several times,” he added.

Without naming the separatists, the Union Minister said people are sending their wards to schools, but giving stones to other boys. ”Misleading the youth is not only about deceiving them, but it’s a crime”, he said, adding that they (separatists) want to play with fire and incite youth to indulge in stone pelting, as they do not want the situation to improve in Kashmir.

”I appeal to all to consider every child of Kashmir as their own,” he said, adding that they are welcome to play politics, but not with the future of these children. (AGENCIES)