India Open to Dialogue with Pakistan if Terrorism Ceases: Defence Minister

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced India’s willingness to initiate dialogue with Pakistan if it ceases support for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that the abrogation of Article 370 was aimed at ending the misery and bringing prosperity to the region. Singh criticized the National Conference and PDP for their stances on terrorism.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced India's willingness to initiate dialogue with Pakistan if it ceases support for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Singh, speaking at a rally in Ramban district, reiterated that Article 370, which granted special status to J-K, was revoked to end the misery of the people and usher in prosperity.

The rally was held in support of BJP candidate Mohd Saleem Bhat. In their manifestos, National Conference and PDP have called for talks with Pakistan, but Singh firmly stated that Pakistan must first stop supporting terrorism.

Furthermore, Singh highlighted that 85 percent of terrorism victims in the region have been Muslims and over 40,000 people have lost their lives in terror incidents over the past three decades. He urged the public to vote for BJP candidates and assured that the Modi government's schemes benefit all sections of society.

(With inputs from agencies.)