Search the Internet          Tips

Swami upset by Hurriyat reaction to cease-fire extension

Union Minister of State for Home Affairs I D Swami said that he was shocked by the Hurriyat leaders' criticism of the cease-fire extension.

"They should have welcomed it but they have been condemning it and calling it a routine affair or a joke. I am surprised. In any case they could not have reacted any better as they want to project themselves in a different light," Swami told rediff.com.

He pointed out that the decision was taken after careful consideration of the ground situation.

"The army chief was present in the meeting when the decision was taken. We have noted that during the last three months casualties among soldiers has gone down considerably. Now the directive is loud and clear. If any militant outfit attacks para-military or army positions, then they have been given clear orders to retaliate. This was not the case earlier. When the first cease-fire was announced we did not expect disruptions from the militant outfits. Now the Laskar-e-Tayiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad have vowed to sabotage the cease-fire and that is why the need to send a clear signal that the security forces will go after them," he said.

He denied the reports that a number of militants had crossed into Kashmir in the last three months. "We have checked it out and it is not true. Yes, those militants who were earlier hiding in the jungles have come nearer the cities. We need better intelligence to prevent militant outfits from attacking civilians or security forces," he admitted.

When asked if there has been any response from Pakistan, Swami said that it was too early to expect a response. But Pakistan is under international pressure and would respond favourably, he hoped.

He denied the Hurriyat charge that the government was deliberately not issuing them passports to go to Pakistan and talk to the militant outfits there.

"Who has given them the authority to talk to the militants on behalf of the government? Secondly there is no system by which the government can issue a group passport. A passport is issued to an individual provided it is not against national interest or security. The same rule applies to you and me," he clarified.

He assured the Sikh and Gujjar communities in the valley that they would be given adequate protection. "There is no question of letting the Pakistani game of ethnic cleansing succeed. I recently visited the three houses in which 15 members of the Bakkarwal community were killed in Rajouri and talked to the relatives of the victims. They are firm that they will not move out because of fear," he explained.

The Kashmir ceasefire: The complete coverage

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report