Shinde rejects third party intervention on Kashmir issue

Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde on Tuesday sent a strong message in Jammu, telling Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and no third party intervention was acceptable.

Speaking to the media, Mr Shinde made it clear that Pakistan’s suggestion of third party intervention was completely unacceptable to New Delhi. “It has been our unflinching stand since Nehru’s period that Kashmir is India’s integral part," he said and added that all issues between India and Pakistan could be resolved bilaterally as per the Shima Agreement.

Earlier addressing Border Security Force (BSF) jawans at 68 Battalion headquarters at Samba, Mr Shinde called them the real heroes of the nation. He appreciated the soldiers’ hard work and sacrifices and asserted that the country’s sovereignty and integrity was intact due to their dedication. “They (Pakistani troops) keep you awake for the night but you people retaliate with the best of your courage and give befitting reply to all aggression. I am here to express the country’s solidarity with you. The whole nation is with you, Mr Shinde said.

He assured the paramilitary force that its demands were under active consideration of his Ministry and would be forwarded to the Cabinet.

Accompanied by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami, State Home Secretary Suresh Kumar and Director General of Police Ashok Prasad, Mr Shinde earlier conducted an aerial survey of the infiltration routes like Basantar, Ujj Nullah, Terni and others areas in Kathua and Samba districts, bordering Pakistan, and discussed security related issues with the authorities.

Later Mr Shinde and Mr Abdullah visited the Hiranagar Police Station. On September 26, thirteen people, including eight police and army personnel, had died in the decade’s first fidayeen attack at Hiranagar Police Station and a military formation in Samba.

In the afternoon, Mr Shinde is scheduled to attend the Unified Headquarters meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence in Jammu. Senior Army, Police, BSF, CRPF officials and representatives of the State and Central intelligence agencies would be participating in the meeting to discuss the latest obtaining security scenario, particularly the situation created due to the increasing Pakistani shelling on the International Border.