Valley situation under control: Jr HM

SRINAGAR: Union Minister of state for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir Friday said the situation in Kashmir was under control and the security forces were capable of dealing with terrorists both within the valley and infiltrating from across the Line of Control.

"There is no rise (in militancy). We have been foiling the infiltration attempts and we will continue to do so. The soldiers are fighting the infiltrators and terrorists," Ahir told reporters after taking part in Dussehra celebrations at BSF's Humhama camp here.

The minister also took part in the 'Shastra (weapons) puja' as part of Dussehra celebrations.
In response to a question, Ahir said the Centre does not trust the government of Pakistan or the terrorist groups.

"We have doubts on sincerity of both what the Pakistan government and the terrorist outfits say. We don't trust either of them. Our charge against Pakistan government stands even today," he added.
Asked about the low voter turnout in the municipal polls in Kashmir, the minister said elections are the biggest component in a democratic process.

"We do not want to keep Kashmir away from the democratic process. To hold the elections is a responsibility of the government. We cannot deprive the citizens of their right to vote," he said.
He said the election is a way to peace which will lead to increase in development. "The funds can be put to better use".

While Ahir was in Srinagar, Home Minister Rajnath Singh Friday celebrated Dussehra with BSF jawans and performed 'shastra puja' in Bikaner forward post along the highly sensitive Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan.

This was for the first time that a senior Union minister conducted the 'shastra puja' or worship of weapons on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami along India's border with Pakistan.