Too late to `talk` with separatists, now `act` against them: JD (U)

Patna (Bihar) [India], Sept. 8 (ANI): The Janata Dal (United) on Thursday said the time to hold talks with the separatists has gone and now action should be taken against them. "Time has gone to talk to separatists. Now, it's time to take strict action against them," JD (U) leader Ajay Alok told ANI. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday chaired a follow-up meeting of the all-party delegation that visited Jammu and Kashmir on September 4-5, wgere the members of the delegation expressed serious concerns over the prevailing situation in the Valley. The members of the delegation are of the opinion that there is no place for violence in a civilised society, and there can be no compromises on the issue of national sovereignty. The members appealed to the people of the state to shun the path of violence and resolve all the issues through dialogue and discussion. The members requested the Central and state governments to take steps for a dialogue with all the stakeholders. The members also asked the Central and state government to take steps to ensure that educational institutions, government offices and commercial establishments start functioning normally at the earliest. They requested the government to take effective steps to ensure security for all citizens and provide medical treatment to citizens and security personnel injured in the agitation. The delegation was in Srinagar on Sunday and had visited Jammu before returning to Delhi. Before winding up the visit, the Home Minister sent out a clear message to separatists, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir will always remain an integral part of India. He, however, said as far as talks are concerned, doors are open to everyone who want peace and normalcy. (ANI)