Rajnath in Kashmir; says Modi govt keen to hold dialogue with 'right-minded' people

The Modi government is keen to hold dialogue with all "right-minded" people in Jammu and Kashmir to bring lasting peace in the state, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said today.

Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the state, said a decision on extending the ongoing suspension of operations against militants beyond Ramzan will be taken after reviewing the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Dialogue can be held with everyone. It is not necessary to be like-minded to hold talks, but it is compulsory to be right-minded," he said, offering an olive branch to the separatists.

The Home minister said at a press conference that the central government has appointed a special representative for holding talks with all stake-holders in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The special representative has not been appointed for sightseeing. He has come here 11 times so far," he said referring to the appointment of former director of the Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma as the centre's representative to Jammu and Kashmir in October last year.

Singh appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to come forward for bringing back peace in the state. "Lest we might lose another generation of the state to the darkness," he said.

On whether the unilateral ceasefire announced by the Centre in Jammu and Kashmir will be extended beyond Ramzan, he said a decision in this regard would be taken after reviewing the situation thoroughly.

"The prime minister (Narendra Modi) took a decision on the suspension of operation during Ramzan after giving it due thought.

"We took this decision keeping in view the situation of the common people of Jammu and Kashmir... A decision on extending it beyond Ramzan will be taken after reviewing the situation," he said.

On what feedback security forces' officials gave during the review meetings held today, Singh said, "Good things were spoken about it."