Must be sympathetic towards Kashmiris but can't compromise on national security: View at all-party meet

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday said that all political parties, which attended an all-party meet on Kashmir earlier in the day, were of the view that no compromise can be made on the issue of national security.

Must be sympathetic towards Kashmiris but can't compromise on national security: View at all-party meet

New Delhi: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday said that all political parties, which attended an all-party meet on Kashmir earlier in the day, were of the view that no compromise can be made on the issue of national security.

Addressing a joint press conference with his colleague Rajnath Singh (Home Minister) here, Jaitley said that parties were of the view “we cannot compromise on national security but we must be sympathetic towards the issues of Kashmiris”.

Informing the media about the mood at the all-party meet that came in the wake of weeks-long unrest in Jammu and Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani, Jaitley said, “It was agreed that difficulties faced by the common man in Kashmir should be addressed.”

He further said that security forces in the Kashmir Valley have been advised to "act with utmost restraint".

“Security personnel will act with restraint. However, terrorism and violence will be dealt with effectively,” the minister told reporters.

 

Speaking on the use of controversial pellet guns in Kashmir, Jaitley said the pellet guns have been are in use in J&K since 2010.

“We have not taken any decision on banning the use of pellet guns or sending an all-party delegation. Security implications of banning pellet guns will be considered and any decision will be made after an evaluation by an expert committee,” he informed.

On the issue of holding talks with separatist Hurriyat Conference, Jaitley said the government will decide on this depending on the situation prevailing at moment in J&K.

Rajnath told the press briefing that at the all-party meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that “the time has come for Pakistan to answer the world, on atrocities against people in Balochistan and PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir)”.

PM Modi said at the all-party meet that we should reach out to PoK diaspora, Rajnath added.

Hitting out at Pakistan, Rajnath said instability in Kashmir is a result of actions by our neighbours.

He further informed that the Centre has decided on a development package of over Rs 80,000 crore for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir and its people.

“All parties put forth their concerns in one voice and with the right intent. PM Modi assured all parties about peace and normalcy in J&K,” Rajnath said.

“We are determined to resolve the Kashmir issue is a peaceful manner,” he added.

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