Will speak to Kashmir people not to Pakistan: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday hit back at National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah for suggesting that an India-Pakistan dialogue be held.

“I saw in the newspaper that Farooq sahab has advised that the Government of India must hold talks with Pakistan. He’s an experienced man, who was once the chief minister, it’s his advice. But I want to tell Farooq sahab and all of you, that if there have to be talks, I will hold them with the people of my valley (Kashmir) and the youth of the valley,” Shah said while addressing a gathering in Srinagar,

“Why shouldn’t I talk to you? We want to talk to you, that’s why I extended a hand for friendship with the youth of the valley,” Shah added.

The Home Minister is on his maiden visit to J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

“I was taunted and condemned with harsh words. I want to speak before you openly, that’s why there’s no bullet proof glass or security” the minister said.

On Monday, Shah visited the Kheer Bhawani temple in Ganderbal district of J&K, PTI reported. Accompanied by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, he offered prayers at the temple of Mata Ragnya Devi, while donning a traditional Kashmiri pheran.