Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that Pakistan is still training and funding terrorist organisations, but it has failed to recruit local youth from Kashmir. It indicates that Kashmir is moving on the right path.
Speaking at a media conclave in Patna on Saturday, he promised restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time.
The minister said that in the past, terrorists did not need to be sent from Pakistan. They would recruit and arm local youth. This trend had persisted for many years, and while dismantling it is a gradual process, he expressed confidence that the current approach is effective and will lead to lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Amit Shah highlighted that Kashmir shares a border with Pakistan and noted that the Hurriyat ideology once gained support due to Article 370.
He stated that the first step taken by the government was the removal of Article 370, followed by initiatives to engage with the youth. Subsequently, local elections were held peacefully without any violence.
He said that the legislative assembly elections were conducted in the state in a fair and transparent manner, leading to the formation of Omar Abdullah’s government.
He emphasised the central government’s ongoing efforts to prevent incidents like the one in Pahalgam, while also pointing out that Pakistan continues to provide training and financial aid to terrorist groups.
Shah also mentioned that Pakistan had carried out three terrorist attacks in the past, each of which received a firm and decisive response from India.
He remarked that in earlier times, such strong replies were rare, and attackers often escaped without consequence, assuming there would be no serious retaliation.
However, he stressed that India has now made it clear to the world that terrorism will not be tolerated on its soil.
Commenting on the demands of people in Leh-Ladakh, Amit Shah said that the Government of India is in discussions with the committees of Leh and Kargil. A decision on their legitimate demands will be taken soon, and a good solution will be found.
Regarding the release of activist Sonam Wangchuk, he refused to comment saying that such matters are under the purview of the courts.