BJP will not engage with separatists in J&K: Singh

Speaking to Millennium Post, the number two in prime minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet Singh, said, ‘People of India has extended their warm support to us and I am really thankful to them. In Kashmir too we are confident to gain the support of the people.’

Recently, India has decided to pull out from foreign secretary-level talks after separatists groups from the Valley had met senior officials at Pakistan embassy in the national capital.

When asked whether the continuous violation of ceasefire by Pakistan is really going to be difficult in terms of holding the assembly election in the Valley, the home minister said, ‘It is the EC who will ensure free and fair elections. Election Commission’s role in executing polls in recent past is commendable.’ ‘Our government has prepared a comprehensive policy on Kashmir, which we will announce soon,’ he added.

On ceasefire violation, he added, ‘Times have changed and atmosphere has changed in India. There will be stern reply from our forces whenever there will be such violation. They (Pakistan) must stop firing and start respecting the boundaries.’

Ever since Singh took charge as a home minister of the nation, terrorist violence has came down as compared to previous years. Such incidents have declined from 488 in 2010 to 46 in 2014 till March.

Over the issue of government formation in Maharashtra, he said, ‘I am going to Mumbai on 27 October and then we will announce the name of the chief minister. We always had a good relationship with the Shiv Sena and we will continue to respect each other.’

While stressing on the importance of Indo-Israel relationship, he said, ‘I am going to Israel on 2 November and will return on 7 November. During my visit, the main focus will be on inland security. I am hopeful that my meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu will be fruitful.’

Well placed sources said, the NDA government is planning to invite Netanyahu to India as a chief guest on Republic Day in January.