Congress speaking against nation: Hansraj Ahir over Ghulam Nabi Azad's Kashmir remarks

Undeterred by criticism from the Opposition, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir defended the government's Operation All Out policy in Jammu & Kashmir. In an interview with DNA, Ahir said the Centre is capable to foil Pakistan's attempts to feed terrorist activities and also to divide the country.

What is Government's view on Operation All Out?

This is a well thought out decision to continue Operation All Out in Jammu & Kashmir to weed out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. It aims to bring in normalcy, maintain law and order and peace in J&K. Adequate deployment of Army and police personnel in addition to National Security Guard commandos have been made there to foil attempts to destabilise J&K.

We want to assure the citizens that the nation's borders will be protected and secured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to protect the sovereignty of the country and stern action will be taken against divisive forces.

How do you react to the scathing criticism by the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress leader Saifuddin Soz against Operation All Out?

It is really sad that Azad's statement that Army operations killed more civilians than terrorists has been hailed by Pak-based terrorist outfit LeT. I also condemn Saifuddin Soz's comment that Kashmiris would want to stay independent rather than opt to merge with Pakistan if given a chance.

The Congress had become so desperate that it has started speaking against the country. Congress president Rahul Gandhi asks for proof of surgical strikes. Why is the Congress speaking in Pakistan's language? Congress may continue to attack BJP and the government but not the country. Kashmir problem is the result of the sin of the Congress.

There has been talks of third party intervention to resolve the issue. Do you subscribe to it?

I am aware that outside forces and several countries are bent to divide India. At the same time, some are proposing a third party intervention to settle Kashmir issue. India will never agree to such proposal. If Pakistan thinks it can take Kashmir away from us, the people of this country will teach it a lesson.

Under the Modi government, no one should think that India will bow down to terror. The situation in Kashmir after the last Assembly polls was such that the BJP had to form coalition government with PDP. However, the BJP has walked out of the government for the cause of unity and integrity of India.

How do you ensure Amarnath Yatra will be incident free?

Security has been beefed to ensure safety of those participating in the Amarnath Yatra which is going to commence on June 28. A joint strategy on the operational and administrative arrangements was chalked out by all the agencies to ensure peace and stability in the region and an incident-free pilgrimage.