At a rally in Nowshera, Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a robust and impassioned address, taking aim at the Congress party and the National Conference (NC) for their positions regarding reservation policies. He particularly referenced a controversial statement made by Rahul Gandhi during a recent visit to the United States, in which Gandhi suggested that Pahari communities no longer required reservations due to their progress. Shah strongly opposed this assertion, asserting, "Congress and NC have said that we will reconsider the reservation given to Pahari, Gujjar Bakarwal, Dalit, Valmiki, and OBC communities. Rahul Baba, we will not let you remove reservation."
In his speech, Shah provided reassurances to the large gathering that the reservations aimed at uplifting marginalized communities, including Paharis, Gujjars, and Dalits, would remain firmly intact. He emphasized that the current government is committed to ensuring that these vulnerable groups continue to receive the support they need to thrive.
Shah also firmly rejected NC president Farooq Abdullah’s calls for the reinstatement of Article 370, which previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He stated emphatically, "No one can bring it back," underscoring the government's unwavering stance on this critical issue. His words were intended to reinforce the administration's determination to maintain the constitutional changes implemented in the region.
Taking a hardline approach to the issue of terrorism, Shah made it abundantly clear that under Prime Minister Modi's government, there would be no releases of terrorists or stone pelters in Jammu and Kashmir. He articulated a zero-tolerance policy toward violence, insisting that discussions with Pakistan would not take place until terrorism is completely eradicated. "I will talk to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, whom I call 'lions,' rather than with Pakistan," he proclaimed, suggesting a focus on empowering local youth rather than engaging with external adversaries.
The Home Minister condemned the alleged collusion between the NC and Congress in supporting the release of terrorists, and he dismissed Abdullah’s claims about a resurgence of terrorism in the region. He vowed to take decisive action against any elements of terror, promising to "bury terrorism deep inside the earth," thereby signaling a commitment to restoring peace and stability in the area.
Furthermore, Shah assured residents living along the borders that their safety is a top priority. He highlighted government initiatives to construct underground bunkers to protect these communities from cross-border violence. However, he expressed confidence that such safety measures would soon become unnecessary. "No one would dare to fire across the border," he asserted, emphasizing that the government's response would be swift and severe. "If they fire a bullet, we will respond with a shell," he warned, reflecting a strong stance on national security.
Overall, Shah's address was marked by a firm commitment to maintaining reservations for marginalized communities, an uncompromising approach to combating terrorism, and a decisive rejection of any attempts to reinstate provisions like Article 370. His remarks aimed to reinforce the government's dedication to the security, welfare, and empowerment of the people in Jammu and Kashmir, while also drawing a clear line against any political maneuvers he deemed detrimental to the region's stability.
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