Kashmir unrest is Pakistan sponsored, Rajnath tells RS

“Kehne ko naam Pakistan hai lakin harkatain napaak” (The name is Pakistan - Land of the Pure - but its actions are unholy),” the Home Minister said while replying to a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the grim situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He further said Pakistan must mind its own business as India was capable of dealing with its issues.

Initiating the discussion on the violence in Kashmir that left over 43 dead, leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said that the prevailing situation in the Valley was disturbing and urged the state government to use restraint while dealing with protesters. Azad said the Congress stood with the Centre in ending militancy in Kashmir, but did not endorse the way civilians were being treated.

“Should locals be treated the same way we treat militants? Should same bullets that are used on militants be used on innocent people of J&K,” Azad asked. Azad, however, also blamed Pakistan for worsening the situation in Kashmir and India. “India can handle its internal affairs on its own. Those living in glass houses should not stone others,” he said.

Responding to the Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad on the issue, leader of Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley defended security forces for their action against separatists and terrorists, saying no sovereign country can allow attacks on its forces and interests, but however, accepted that excessive use of force should be avoided. Jaitley’s remarks came after Opposition parties, cutting across political lines, slammed the Centre over excessive use of force in Jammu and Kashmir, saying bullets can’t bring a solution to the current unrest in Kashmir.