Modi Says Pakistan is Root Cause of Kashmir Unrest

Raja saaid the Left parties reiterated their demand that the use of pellet guns by security forces be stopped, but government did not commit anything in this regard.

Addressing the all-party meeting, Modi said the Government was ready to address “grievances” of all sections of people in Jammu & Kashmir as per the Constitution but made it clear that there can not be any compromise with the nation’s integrity.

He also said the “Taliban can not capture Afghanistan” through violence, although Kabul believes Pakistan is still backing the Taliban.

His government has shunned talks with Hurriyat and other groups that challenge India’s claim, putting on hold peace talks with Pakistan, telling it to first rein in anti-India militants operating from its territory, a charge its arch rival rejects. He said Pakistan was a victim of terrorism and is committed to eradicating the menace, neither does it discriminate among terrorists groups.

India suspended bilateral dialogue with Pakistan after gunmen attacked an Indian air base at Pathankot in January.

The resolution asserted that the House “is of the firm and considered view that while there can not be any compromise on national security, it is equally an imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people”.

Last time, following the May 1998 nuclear tests by both India and Pakistan, Kashmir issue had reverberated in world capitals.

Prime Minister Modi expressed happiness that all parties have spoken in one voice on the issue. “The government expects constructive cooperation from all parties despite political differences”. The Prime Minister added that “there can not be any compromise on national security but we have to win confidence of people in Jammu and Kashmir”.

He said the devising of any Economic Package for the people of Kashmir or bringing into Kashmir any Tourist Traffic, has all along been the policy of Indian authorities to strengthen their “unlawful” hold of Kashmir.

“We have to see the security implication as well as an alternative option”. Their families have my full sympathies.

“If there is a mistake we must correct it”, he said.

In two separate letters, Sharif called upon the world bodies to implement UN Security Council Resolutions that provide for the self-determination of the Kashmiri people, the Prime Minister’s House said on Tuesday.

Quoting former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Azad said he urged the government to find a solution. “An expert committee is looking into it (use of pellet guns)”.