Ready for dialogue with Pakistan if it stops terrorism in J&K: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is received by Indian Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh as he arrives for an election rally in Ramban on Sunday. | Image Credit: ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday (September 8, 2024) that India is ready to start a dialogue with Pakistan if it stops terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing an election rally in this constituency of Ramban district in support of BJP candidate Mohd Saleem Bhat, Singh said Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was repealed to end the misery of the people and bring prosperity to the region.

“Pakistan must do one thing: stop supporting terrorism. Who wouldn't want to improve relations with its neighbours? Because I know you can change a friend but you can't change your neighbour. We want improved relations with Pakistan but most importantly they must stop terrorism,” Singh said at a well-attended gathering here.

The Defence Minister said if Pakistan stops supporting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, India will start a dialogue with them.

“85% of the victims of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir were Muslims. Terrorist attacks were a common occurrence in Kashmir. Were Hindus also killed in the terror attacks? I was Home Minister and I know that most of the deaths in the terror attacks were Muslims,” ​​Singh said.

Earlier, the defence minister had addressed an election rally in nearby Ramban in support of party candidate Rakesh Singh Thakur and said that more than 40,000 people had been killed in terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP's Bhat is contesting against former Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chairman and ex-minister Vikar Rasool Wani, who is seeking a hat-trick from his Banihal constituency.

Bhat faces a tough challenge from Sjjad Shaheen of the National Conference and Imtiyaz Shan of the PDP.

Senior Congressman Rahul Gandhi addressed a massive rally in Sangaldan region on September 4 to applause.