No Talks With Pakistan Until Terrorism Ends: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that India will not engage in talks with Pakistan unless terrorism ceases. During the release of BJP's manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, Shah dismissed dialogue possibilities, criticized opposition demands, and reiterated security efforts and plans for statehood restoration.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday stated unequivocally that India will not engage in talks with Pakistan until terrorism ends, stressing that ''talks and bombs cannot go together.''

Shah made these statements during the release of the BJP's manifesto for Jammu and Kashmir, firmly dismissing any potential for dialogue amidst continued terrorist activities. ''We are not in favour of talks with Pakistan unless and until terrorism does not end. But we will definitely talk to the youth of Kashmir,'' he told reporters.

Responding to questions about demands from political parties to resume talks with Pakistan and restore cross LoC trade, Shah maintained that, ''Unless terrorism does not come to an end and a trade-terror eco-system is formed, we cannot agree with it.'' Speaking on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, Shah said ''the demand is to mislead the people'' and assured it would be done at an appropriate time. Shah reiterated that Article 370 is history and criticized Rahul Gandhi's comments on outsider rule in the region.

He further assured that security measures in Jammu and Kashmir have been fully implemented, dismissed concerns of Muslim suppression, and expressed confidence in the BJP forming the next government in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)