Madhav trashes talk of 'political solution' to Kashmir issue

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav today rebuffed demands for a "political solution" to the Kashmir issue, suggesting that it was a mere "slogan" raised by "romantic" people and asserting that those who do not believe in the Indian constitution will be dealt with firmly.
Taking a tough stand on separatists, the saffron party's pointsman on Jammu and Kashmir claimed they are not interested in finding a solution to the ongoing unrest in the Valley and "enjoy fuelling violence and getting innocents killed".
"We need a particular security culture in this country. This we terribly lack. As a nation we are a romantic people. We are very happy with slogans. We do not know what we mean when we make statements. Every leader tirelessly makes this statement that we have to have a political solution... Political solution is simple and final that J & K is an integral part of India," he said at an event on 'homeland security'.

Amid demands by a number of parties that the government hold talks with all stakeholders, he said, "There is no alternative to talks. In strategic discourse it is sometimes said while talking is a part of strategy, not talking is also a part of strategy. As part of a strategy you don't talk. As part of romance you have to talk always.
"Even if the doors are not open, still you have to go. You need two people for talks. We need a particular strategic culture to be nurtured in this country."
Madhav was apparently referring to separatists' refusal to meet some opposition leaders, who had gone to the Valley as members of an all-party delegation, even though they went to their residences.

"Our government's policy is clear. Militants and terror will be dealt with sternly and those who do not believe in the Constitution of India will be treated firmly," he later told reporters.

Asked about reports that the Centre was considering withdrawal of security given to the Hurriyat leaders, he said,"It will do what it has to do."
Asked about the demand made at a meeting today of the
all-party delegation of MPs, which recently visited Jammu and Kashmir, for talking to all stakeholders, Madhav said Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to over 300 people during the team's stay in the state and added they are talking to those who believe in the Indian Constitution.

The Jammu and Kashmir government, he added, has kept its doors open to all citizens of the state.
Madhav said time has come for experts and the government to sit together to develop a security doctrine for the country. He cited the example of the great wall built by China to protect its frontiers, while India took no remedial measure to block the Khyber pass through which foreign invaders arrived and attacked it.
He also rued the practice of experts and commentators to "hyphenate" everything involving India's foreign and security steps as he noted that Modi's trip to Vietnam was seen by some as a countervailing measure against China.

This government believes in developing strong bilateral relationship keeping the country's interests in mind, he said.
He also batted for developing better infrastructure like roads and telecom facilities for those living on borders as they can see with their naked eyes the developments across the frontier, a reference to China.