Union Home Minister Raknath Singh on Monday said “the permanent solution of the Kashmir issue is based on 5 Cs”, while assuring not to go against the sentiment of people on Article 35A, which grants special rights of locals on property and jobs.
“Those 5Cs are compassion, communication, coexistence, confidence building, and consistency," said Mr. Singh, who is on a four-day visit to the state.
Without naming Hurriyat or any other group, Mr. Singh said “he was ready to talk to anyone”. “I am inviting everyone who is willing to help us in resolving problems of Kashmir,” he added.
In response to a question on Article 35A that is being hear by the Supreme Court, the Union Home minister said, “The Union government will not go against the sentiments of the people of Kashmir. There are no issues left that is why such issues are being raised,” Mr. Singh said.
Both ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference (NC) strongly raised the issue of special status and Article 35A with Mr. Singh in Srinagar.
On ongoing infiltration from Pakistan, Mr. Singh said, “Pakistan should stop infiltrating terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir.”
He appealed to tourists and tourist organizations to visit Kashmir. “People of Kashmir are ready to welcome you, they want to turn it into heaven again,” he said.
The Union minister pointed out that the Prime Minister Development Package has witnessed a cost escalation. “The for J&K is set to cross more than 1 lakh crores,” he said.
Mr. Singh is leaving for Jammu where he will meet party leaders.
