Last phase of militancy in J&K: Dr. Jitendra

Assures traders of resolving GST related issues

JAMMU: Complimenting the state police and security forces for their continuous streak of successful operations against terrorists in state, Union minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that militancy in Jammu and Kashmir was in its 'last phase' and that 'militants are on the run'.
The Union minister also made a passing reference to Jammu industrialists' threat to launch agitation over GST incentives, and assured that there will be no injustice or discrimination in Prime Minister Naredra Modi-led NDA government.
"They (terrorists) are on the run and are under tremendous pressure. I am sure that this is going to be the last phase of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir," he said in Jammu, touching various other issues concerning the state.
Singh who was replying to a volley of questions on the recent killings of militants in Kashmir Valley, praised the forces for their successful operation against terrorism in state.
"Police and security forces are doing a commendable job. What is more praiseworthy is that the special operation group of J&K Police is cooperating and working shoulder to shoulder in these operations," he said.
The minister said that the security forces had been successful in effecting a positive change in the security situation.
"Life span of every terrorist has been shortened," he said.
Replying to a question about Pakistan making desperate attempts to keep the pot of militancy boiling in the state, Singh said, "This speaks of their (Pakistan) helplessness and despair."
"The longer Pakistan continues to remain in denial mode, the more it is risking its own security and its own existence," he added.
On the recent threat of industrialists in Jammu to pour on roads of recently announced incentive scheme under GST regime are not visited, the Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office said, "Heard people talking about change in the decision over Goods and Service Tax (GST), I want to assure them that this government is democratic in nature and if you have any problem come forward ... we will not hesitate to look into their issues as there is no issue of prestige."
The union minister also touched a range of issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
On the Supreme Court judgement on the issue of Rohingya immigrants, the minister said, "As far as the BJP and its government are concerned, we are very clear about it...The security concern is the prime concern for all of us including those of us who have stakes in Jammu and Kashmir, where you have a sizable population of Rohingyas."
He said it was "not the right interpretation" to say that Rohingyas are not to be deported from India.
The Supreme Court "has said that there was security concern and at the same time, there is a human angle that is to be kept in the mind," he said, adding that "judicious view of the entire matter will be taken".
Reacting to the diktat of Majlis Shoura that boys and girls should not study together, the minister said, "Without intruding into anybody's religious prerogative, as far as we are concerned, we believe in policy of justice for all and appeasement to none."
"We live in a democratic country and heterogeneous society, where gender equality is inherent... I think concerned agencies will take cognisance of it," he said.
To a question on separatist leader Asiya Andrabi's photo being showcased in a government poster, he said, "The government has taken serious view of it and taken action also. It is condemnable."
Singh said the Congress was raising frivolous issues in Gujarat ahead of the assembly polls later this year.
"The Congress was totally demoralised (in Gujarat) and they are trying find various futile issues...When they flagged various futile issues during Rahul Gandhi's three-day visit to Gujarat, I told them this is childish behaviour, which do not mean anything to us," he said.
"As far as (BJP president) Amit Shah and his son are concerned, instead of the opposition's demand for a probe, his son has gone to court with a defamation suit and let them put their views in the court or prove it," Singh said.