Pakistan involved in nefarious activities against India: Rajnath Singh

Referring to violence in the Kashmir Valley, minister said Narendra Modi government wanted youth there to have pens and laptops in their hands rather than stones

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday lashed out at Pakistan and accused it of involvement in nefarious activities against India.

Addressing a gathering in Shahjahanpur, around 175 km from the state capital Lucknow, the minister said it was unfortunate that Pakistan was stoking violence in Kashmir.

Singh, who flagged off the 'Tiranga Yatra' of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Shahjahanpur, said Pakistan will never succeed in its evil designs against India.

Referring to violence in the Kashmir Valley, the minister said the Narendra Modi government wanted the youth there to have pens and laptops in their hands rather than stones.

He also praised the initiatives of the National Democratic Alliance government in trying to solve the country's problems and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of 'Swachh Bharat' was a path-breaking effort which was finding acceptance across the nation.

Earlier, he visited the Shaheed Udayan park and paid floral tributes at the statues of freedom fighters Thakur Roshan Singh, Ashfaqullah Khan and Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil.

He said these great freedom fighters were an inspiration for the coming generations.

Later, he addressed a public rally at Khirnibagh Ramlila grounds and apprised the people of the aim of the 'Tiranga Yatra'.

Singh said the Centre's schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Crop Insurance Scheme, Swachh Bharat and skill development mission were aimed at the all-round development of the country.

Rajnath Singh later flew to Lucknow where he was given a rousing reception by party workers and leaders.