Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday firmly stated that India is not open to dialogue with Pakistan as long as terrorism persists, asserting that “talks and bombs cannot go together.” Shah made these remarks during the release of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, where he categorically dismissed any possibility of negotiations with Pakistan amidst ongoing terrorist activities in the region.
“We are not in favour of talks with Pakistan unless and until terrorism does not end. But we will definitely talk to the youth of Kashmir,” Shah told reporters. He reiterated this stance in response to questions regarding political demands for resuming talks with Pakistan and restoring cross-Line of Control (LoC) trade. “Unless terrorism does not come to an end and a trade-terror eco-system is formed, we cannot agree with it,” he added.
Watch: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “Dialogue and terrorism cannot go hand in hand. We are not in favor of holding talks with the Pakistan government until terrorism is completely eradicated. However, we will certainly engage in dialogue with the youth of Jammu and… pic.twitter.com/J3wPaI87sK
— IANS (@ians_india) September 6, 2024
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Amit Shah On Jammu & Kashmir’s Statehood, Demands For Restoring Article 370
Addressing the National Conference’s (NC) and Congress’ calls for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Shah dismissed these demands as attempts to mislead the public. “I have always accepted the demand. At an appropriate time, it will be restored,” he said.
Shah also responded to the NC’s manifesto advocating the restoration of Article 370 and the Congress’ support for it. “The agenda of the NC cannot get implemented on the ground. Article 370 is the past. It is history. Nobody can bring it back,” he asserted.
In reaction to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi’s remarks about outsiders ruling Jammu and Kashmir, Shah pointed out that presidential rule was imposed three times during Gandhi’s tenure. “If he says presidential rule is outsider rule, then I want to tell Rahul Gandhi it was time, when three times presidential rule was there during your rule in J&K,” Shah stated.
Regarding security in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah assured that comprehensive measures have been implemented by the Narendra Modi government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration. He dismissed concerns about the suppression of Muslims in the valley, asserting, “There is no question of it in Kashmir.”
Expressing confidence in the BJP’s prospects, Shah concluded, “There will be no government by the PDP, NC, and Congress ruled by dynasties. Rest possibilities, BJP will explore.”
