Talks only with "right-minded people" in Pakistan, IOK: India

Union minister on two-day tour to review security situation in disputed territory

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday that the government was ready for talks with only "right-minded people" in Indian-Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and Pakistan, The Hindu reported. 



Singh is touring the disputed region to review the situation in the restive territory. The union minister said talks will be held with Pakistan provided the nation 'eradicated terror'. Pakistan must accept Indian assistance if it cannot do so on its own, he added.



Extending an olive branch to separatists Singh said, “Dialogue can be held with everyone. It is not necessary to be like-minded to hold talks, but it is compulsory to be right-minded,”

In March, a belligerent Singh no power in the world could take away Kashmir from India. “Kashmir is, was and will always be ours. No one can take it from us,” the union minister told an Indian television channel.

Praising the Indian Army for its valour he said, “We can also cross the border to protect the country, if needed. No one should think otherwise.”

The union minister said the Indian government was keen on finding a permanent solution to the Kashmir problem and was open to speak to anyone. Singh said government-appointed interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, a former intelligence bureau chief, had invited people across the spectrum for talks. He said Kashmir’s children were like his own and no one would be allowed to brainwash them into radicalisation.

This article originally appeared in The Hindu.