Stay out of India’s internal matters: Rajnath

Official sources said that till late Saturday afternoon those who had met the home minister included Sanjay K. Tickoo, the president of the Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti, representatives of a faction of the Houseboat Owners Association, Shikarawalla Association and Sunday Market Traders’ Association.

On the issue of 8-point agenda to solve Kashmir problem given by his predecessor P Chidambaram, Rajnath Singh said, “I will see the suggestions”.

More than 5,500 people including 2,259 civilians, have been injured in the latest clashes, including scores who were shot in the eyes with pellets by troopers and may have been blinded.

46 people lost their life in this violent protest and more than 3600 people including 1600 army personnel injured in the violence in the valley due to the killing of terrorist Burhan Wani by the Indian forces in this month.

“The first meeting he called after his return to India was to discuss Kashmir”, the Home Minister said. “If there is terrorism in India, then it is Pakistan sponsored”, the Home Minister said. “And I want to tell our jawans that they should refrain from using pellet guns”, he said.

Saying the Indian government would never tolerate terrorism, the minister said while Pakistan carried out operations against militants in Lal Masjid in Islamabad, they encouraged youths to take up arms in Kashmir. “This should end”, he said.

“Pakistan’s role is not clear and correct”. “We will talk to those who we would have to talk with”, he said in response to questions on whether the Centre would engage with the separatists. “Watch out what is going to happen in future”.

The state government has already ordered opening of schools in these four districts.

Rajnath Singh had also performed the Amarnath Yatra and paid obeisance at the Hazratbal shrine here during that visit. “We will ensure they are treated at AIIMS”.

Following the meet, the Home Minister also met the National Conference delegation led by Omar Abdullah. Singh would also meet the political leaders and members from trade fraternity of the state.

Yasin Malik said that Rajnath Singh and other Indian leaders had time and again issued statements congratulating their forces, encouraging them and putting blame on the oppressed instead of oppressors.

Government of India Sunday ruled out any kind of dialogue until and unless “peace and normalcy is restored in Kashmir”.

The death toll in the ongoing Kashmir unrest mounted to 49 on Sunday with one more youth Sameer Ahmed of Khunmoh succumbing to his injuries.

Curfew was today lifted from four districts of Kashmir and parts of Srinagar city in view of the improving situation in these areas but remained in force in the rest of the Valley as a precautionary measure.

On July 15, a mob pelted stones at police station Yaripora in Kulgam. Two policemen have also died during the unrest.