Bareilly: Union home minister Rajnath Singh said the government was trying its best to return normalcy to the Kashmir Valley, addressing a gathering of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters at Ramleela Ground in Shahjahanpur.
He said he wanted to “see pens and laptops in the hands of Kashmiri youths”, during a visit as part of the Tiranga Rally, and emphasised that India would not tolerate eulogising of any militant.
“Kashmir is an inseparable part of India. We don’t just love the land of Kashmir but also its people. However, we will not allow any militant to become a hero anywhere in the country,” said Rajnath, referring to former Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani whose death led to widespread protests in the Valley.
The function was attended by over a thousand BJP supporters.
Before the event, Singh visited the Shaheed Smarak in Shahjahanpur to pay tribute to freedom fighters Ram Prasad Bismil and Asfaqulla Khan, who were hanged by the British for their involvement in the Kakori train robbery.
“We must never forget their struggle for the independence of the country and try to create the India of their dreams,” Singh said at the Smarak.
Saturday’s visit is the first by the Union home minister to the region this year. The visit was a part of BJP’s ‘Tiranga Yatra’, which the party claims symbolises social harmony and unity. The yatra started on August 15 and is scheduled to continue till August 22.
“Every leader and seat-bearer of the BJP will visit Shaheed Smaraks (martyr memorials) across the country to pay homage to freedom fighters,” he said.
Over 2,000 police personnel were deployed to ensure the minister’s security in Shahjahanpur.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
