Govt ready for talks with Kashmiri separatist groups: MoS Home
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir on Wednesday said that the government is open to talks with separatist leaders in Kashmir Valley.
“The Government remains open to dialogue with those who eschew the path of violence and are willing to work within the framework of the Constitution of India,” Hansraj Ahir said in a written reply to question in Rajya Sabha today.
He said that the State Government has reported that the law and order situation in the state is much better than the previous year as 583 cases have been registered during the current year till date against 2897 cases of previous year.
He said that 12650 miscreants/separatists were either arrested or bound down under substantive and preventive laws since year 2016 and imposition of restrictions in the vulnerable areas to thwart such incidents.
“Separatists/trouble mongers have been kept under close surveillance to check their activities. Further, sports events, community policing, counselling of miscreants etc. to engage them are other initiatives taken by the police,” the MoS Home said in the reply.
He said that the Government has continuously encouraged policies to mainstream the youth, including providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy.
“Government has approved various schemes for the employment of youths of J&K. He aid that additional recruitment of 10,000 SPOs, recruitment of around 5381 personnel in 5 new India Reserve Battalions and recruitment of 1079 personnel of CAPFs and Assam Rifles was taken up.
Besides, he said that Special Industry Initiative (SII) –Udaan to enhance skill and employability of Graduates and three-year Engineering Diploma holders and offer of jobs in the Private Sector.
“Skill Empowerment and Employment Scheme (Himayat) – to provide options and opportunities to School/college dropouts for salaried jobs in the private sector or self-employment has also been initiated and a Special Scholarship Scheme (SSS) is being provided for financial assistance to students having passed Class 12th or equivalent exams for studying in colleges and institutions outside J&K.
Further, to accelerate the process of development in the State of J&K, Prime Minister on 7th November 2015 has announced a development package of Rs. 80,068 crore, the MoS stated.
KV Correspondent
