Ready to talks with Kashmiri separatists if they shun violence: Centre

The Centre on Wednesday said that it is open to dialogue with Kashmiri separatist groups provided they eschew the path of violence.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir, in a written reply, told Rajya Sabha that "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".

He was replying to a question of Ranjib Biswal.

Ahir said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has improved considerably this year.

"The law and order situation in J&K 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," Ahir informed the Upper House.

 

The Minister also said that the police either arrested or bound down 12650 miscreants/separatists since 2016.

The police are also taking initiatives like sports events, community policing, counselling of miscreants to engage them with mainstream society.

Ahir further informed the Rajya Sabha that "in order to generate employment for youths of J&K, the government has also approved additional recruitment of 10,000 SPOs, recruitment of around 5381 personnel in 5 new India Reserve Battalions, recruitment of 1079 personnel of CAPFs and Assam Rifles".

The Minister also told Rajya Sabha that schemes like Special Industry Initiative (SII), Skill Empowerment & Employment Scheme (Himayat), and Special Scholarship Scheme (SSS) are under implementation for the benefit of youth and students.

The SII aims to enhance skill and employability of Graduates and three-year Engineering Diploma holders and offer of jobs in the Private Sector.

Himayat provides options and opportunities to school/college dropouts for salaried jobs in the private sector or self-employment.

Special Scholarship Scheme provides financial assistance to students having passed Class 12th or equivalent exams for studying in colleges and institutions outside J&K.

Ahir also reminded the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 7, 2015 announced a development package of Rs. 80,068 crore for Jammu and Kashmir.