Three Union Ministers on June 21 made a strong pitch to free Jammu and Kashmir of terrorism, with Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir declaring, “We want to end this trouble forever, what is being carried out in Kashmir by separatists, terrorists or by Pakistan...The government will not tolerate [it].” He was speaking on the sidelines of an event in Hyderabad.
The Ministers justified the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) decision to end its alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr. Ahir said the Centre will not tolerate terrorism and that it was committed to bringing peace in the Valley. He added that ensuring Kashmiri people lead a normal life was important.
Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said the situation would improve under Governor’s rule. “The change is already apparent with the security forces and police working with more confidence now. The impact of the change will be felt soon,” he told reporters in Kolkata after attending an International Yoga Day event.
Power Minister R.K. Singh asserted it was in the country’s interest to break the alliance with the PDP. “We kept it [the alliance with the PDP] for three years but now, with the present political situation having changed, the time has come for such a rule [Governor’s Rule], a rule where the might of the state can take on terrorists with the help of the people,” he said after the Yoga Day celebrations in Raipur.
