Want relationship with Kashmiris based on emotional bonds, not just based on necessities, says Rajnath Singh

Srinagar, July 24 (ANI): Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said the government wants a relationship with Kashmiris based not just on necessities, but a relationship based on emotional bonds. Addressing media here after completing a two-day visit to the Kashmir Valley, Singh, indirectly referring to Pakistan's attempts to fan tensions in the region, said, "We do not need the involvement of any third party to address the situation in Kashmir. As far as the Centre is concerned, we are clear that we don't not want a relationship with Kashmir that is based on necessities. We want a relationship that is based on emotional bonds." Targeting Pakistan, "I would like to tell our neighbouring country, you yourself are affected by terrorism. You had to storm the Lal Masjid (in Islamabad) to kill terrorists, but on the other hand, you appeal to Kashmiri youth to take up arms." He warned that Pakistan was far from pure when it came to matters on the Indian side of Kashmir. "They (Pakistan) are not Pak (pure) when it comes to Kashmir," Rajnath Singh said. The Union Home Minister further said all steps are being taken to ensure a return to normalcy in Kashmir and appealed to the youth of Kashmir not to engage in stone-pelting. He also asked the security forces deployed in the Kashmir Valley to refrain from using pellet guns against protestors as far as possible. He also that the Centre has offered state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti all assistance and help to deal with the injured persons not receiving proper medical treatment and if there was a need, they would be brought to Delhi for treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He said that the Centre's first task was restore calm and normalcy in the Kashmir Valley, and thereafter, would discuss the viability of having talks with any group. He said that all grievances can only be solved through dialogue. (ANI)