Till There Is No Peace, No Talks With Pakistan, Says Amit Shah; Slams NC-Congress Manifesto

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday criticized the Congress and National Conference (NC) manifesto for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, saying that they seek to restore the old system, resume talks with Pakistan, and promote divisive policies. He made it clear that “there will be no talks with Pakistan until peace is established.”

Shah accused Congress and NC of wanting to revoke reservations for Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis and Dalits, release criminals and restart LoC trade with Pakistan, which he claimed would fuel terrorism. “They want to talk to Pakistan, but until peace is restored, there will be no talks,” Shah said.

Praising the BJP government’s efforts in reducing terrorism by 70%, Shah highlighted that the Amarnath Yatra and other activities have resumed peacefully. He warned that if Congress or NC come to power, terrorism will return, whereas the BJP will ensure peace and development.

At the BJP’s ‘Karyakarta Sammelan,’ Shah urged booth workers to actively campaign, ensuring BJP’s victory in the upcoming assembly elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370. The elections will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1.

Jammu and Kashmir has 88.06 lakh eligible voters across 90 constituencies, including 7 reserved for SCs and 9 for STs.