Mumbai: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said that ‘forces’ were instigating violence in Madhya Pradesh: “An inquiry has been initiated in the case of violence in Madhya Pradesh. According to primary knowledge that we have, certain forces are trying to instigate violence. But we can convey the complete information only after the inquiry is concluded.”
Mr. Singh was visiting Mumbai to speak about the three years of Narendra Modi’s government at the Centre.
Addressing the press, Mr. Singh said that security forces should have very little to do in matters concerning farmers. “I am aware about protest in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh,” he said. “Both BJP CMs in these states are extremely sensitive towards the issue of farmers. Yes, there are certain crises in these two states, but CMs are offering solutions.” He appealed to farmers to help the government by calling off the agitation.
The Minister was critical of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s visit to MP, saying his party has no right to talk about the plight of farmers: “It is the Congress which is responsible for all of the farmer issues.”
Applauding his own party for handling the Kashmir issue sensitively, Mr. Singh said that the Centre would apply an integrated permanent solution to the Kashmir problem, but refused to divulge details. “We will not let stones come in the future of these youngsters,” Mr. Singh said, referring to recent stone-pelting incidents in Kashmir.
Mr. Singh refused to answer questions about Article 370, and whether the government’s Kasmir plan includes this issue. He also ducked questions on sensitive issues such as violence by self-styled cow protectors, only saying that no one would be allowed to take the law into their own hands.
Later in the day, Mr. Singh spoke at a rally, where he praised the ‘surgical strike,’ calling it a decision that helped India to emerge as a strong nation on the international stage. “The surgical strike gave the message that we are not only able to kill on this side of the border but can cross the border and kill,” he said.
Mr. Singh said that when the BJP came to power in May 2014, it had invited the heads of all neighbouring states to the swearing in of the government. “We wanted to give a message of peace to them,” he said. “But Pakistan continued to create problems.” Referring to an incident when cross-border firing killed a civilian woman and child but appeals to hold talks by showing white flag were ignored by the Pakistan army, he said, “I was told that 16 times such white flags were shown by our army, and not once Pakistani army acknowledged it. I ordered them not to show the white flag next time. Don’t fire the first bullet, but as they shoot at us, fire so many bullets that can not be counted.”
