Won’t allow migration of minorities from J&K, says Rajnath Singh
The Hindu
Targeted killings due to foreign conspiracy, Defence Minister says, hints at Assembly election later in the year
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who concluded his two-day visit of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, said no forcible migration of minorities would be allowed anymore and hinted at Assembly election later this year in the Union Territory.
“We have witnessed a migration of minorities in the past. Whether Hindus or Christians, such forcible migration won’t be allowed at any cost now,” Mr. Singh, who was speaking at a function in Jammu to commemorate the 200th year of the coronation of Dogra ruler Maharaja Gulab Singh, said.
Mr. Singh blamed Pakistan for the recent targeted killings in Kashmir, which have left nine persons dead, including members of the minority communities and non-locals.
“Our neighbour is playing a crucial role in sowing the seed of hatred here. From the tribal raid of 1947-48 to the recent targeted killings, these are all foreign conspiracies. We need to defeat this conspiracy. The future of J&K has to be shaped by its people. The neighbouring country cannot digest the fact that India is rising,” Mr. Singh said.
Without mentioning any role of Muslim leaders in J&K, Mr. Singh said, “The rulers from Ranjit Singh to Gulab Singh and Prem Nath Dogra worked for the unity of people in J&K. They are the role models under whom Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists worked together.”
The Defence Minister appealed to people of J&K “to maintain the social fabric and think above the religious lines”.
“There are forces who are trying to damage the fabric and make efforts to radicalise locals,” Mr. Singh said.