Rajnath Singh sends out stern message to Pakistan, says 'we don't need third party in Kashmir'

Pic Courtesy: ANI

Srinagar: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that Pakistan needed to change its behaviour as far as Kashmir was concerned.

He also said that grievances, if any, of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, needed to be solved through talks. However, he made it clear that government will not tolerate terrorism in any form.

But at the same time, Singh, who was on a two-day visit to the Valley to take stock of the situation in the wake of deadly clashes that have left 46 people dead and more than three thousand others injured, appealed to the people to help restore peace and normalcy in the region.

"Pakistan is in itself a victim of terrorism, it should not encourage violence in Kashmir. Pakistan's role isn't 'pak' (pure) in relation to Kashmir. They need to change their behaviour. We don't need third party's involvement to address the situation that prevails in J&K," he said.

"I haven't said anything wrong, have just asked them (Pakistan) to refrain from interfering in internal matters of another country," he further said.

"Want to make it clear that Government of India does not only want to have a relationship based on needs with Kashmir but an emotional relationship," Singh added.

He said he had met at least 13 delegations during his stay in Srinagar and asked them "to help the government with constructive suggestions in bringing peace and normalcy.

"If there are differences of opinion, those can be resolved through dialogue," Singh said.

On the issue of pellet guns, the HM said, "We will constitute an expert committee to find out ways to use of non-lethal weapon. The committee will submit report in two months," and added, "I urge the youth of Kashmir not to engage in stone-pelting and also ask the security forces to avoid using pellet guns against protesters as far as possible."

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti along with several ministers of her government today met the HM.

Mehbooba led the government delegation which called on Singh after the Home Minister had met representatives from ruling PDP, BJP and opposition National Conference separately.

Curfew remained in force in five districts of Kashmir and some parts of the summer capital as a precautionary measure as an uneasy calm prevailed in the Valley where normal life was paralysed for the 16th consecutive day today.

The situation across the Valley is peaceful so far, an official said.

Clashes broke out between protesters and security forces a day after the killing of militant 'commander' Burhan Wani in an encounter.

(With Agency inputs)