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Ready for talks with right-minded people: Rajnath in Kashmir (Roundup)
Srinagar, June 7 (IANS) Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday signalled to separatists to come forward for talks to solve the Kashmir issue but stopped short of extending an invitation to them even as he said the government was ready for dialogue with “right-minded” people, not necessarily like-minded.
The Home Minister began his two-day trip to the state to assess security situation in the aftermath of a unilateral and unconditional Ramadan ceasefire announced by the government.
In his fresh outreach to Kashmiris, he lavished praises on the youth of the state for their multi-faceted talent that could be channelised positively to change the “tasveer” (image) and “taqdeer” (destiny) of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the government, ready to talk with all without any pre-conditions, won’t not be deterred in its aim to bring lasting peace to Kashmir, “no matter how many obstacles come in our way”.
“We can talk to anyone. We are open to talks with all. But talks should be for peace. For talks, you need not to speak to like-minded people but it is important to talk to right-minded people,” Rajnath Singh said here in a joint news conference with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti.
The Central government, he said, intended to open a dialogue in Kashmir and as such its Special Representative Dineshwar Sharma visited the state 11 times since he was appointed in October last year.
“He (Sharma) doesn’t come here on tourist trips. He meets the people of the state to find solutions to their problems. I am sticking to what I said on my first visit to Kashmir (as Home Minister) that we want talks with every section of the society to resolve their problems.”
He said the BJP government was firmly committed to solve the problems of Kashmir and not let them linger on. “We will surely find a solution to the problem of Kashmir.”
The Home Minister is in the state to review the security situation following the May 16 ceasefire announced by the Central government during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan which ends on June 15.
Amid speculations that the halt in anti-militancy operations may be extended, Rajnath Singh said the issue would be discussed with the Chief Minister before taking a final call. He said nothing could be ruled out.
The final call on the issue is likely to be taken on Friday when Rajnath Singh and his officials will meet Mehbooba Mufti, Governor N.N. Vohra and security and intelligence officials.
Since the Central government announced the ceasefire, militants have launched many hit-and-run grenade and IED attacks on security forces.
Informed sources suggested the Army commanders have argued that the cessation of hostilities from only one side was helping the militants to regroup and recruit boys.
Earlier, addressing over 3,000 boys and girls, mostly sportspersons, at the Sher-e-Kashmir Indoor Stadium here, the Home Minister said if backed by the youth of the state “no power on earth can stop us from beginning a new dawn in Kashmir”.
He said his government and the people of the country have “a lot of love for Kashmir”, asking youth of the state to bring development and prosperity.
“We will change the tasveer and the taqdeer of Jammu and Kashmir… I assure you all.
“I assure you that we will do all that we can… and even a bit extra to ensure that our brothers and sisters in Jammu and Kashmir progress with the rest of the country,” he said defending the government’s decision to withdraw about 10,000 cases against first-time stone-pelters.
Rajnath Singh said the Central government was keen to provide an opportunity to the youth of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions so that they could get employment.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.