Minister hopes situation in Kashmir will be normal soon

New Delhi, Aug 26: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi exuded confidence that situation in Kashmir, which has been witnessing unrest for the last 48 days, will soon become "normal" and asserted that forces trying to harm India will be dealt with "strictly".

"...the situation in Kashmir will become normal soon. The Modi government assures the country that any other country and forces will not be able to harm India.

Such forces will be dealt with strictly," Naqvi said without naming any country. Addressing a conference of minority youths, the Minister for Minority Affairs said some "anti-peace" forces are unable to digest environment of development being created in Jammu and Kashmir and hence, are "putting hurdles in growth of local youth".

Naqvi said NDA government has offered the youth a "better" environment and opportunities. Denouncing terrorism, the Minister said groups such as ISIS or Al-Qaeda have not been able to establish roots in India, thanks to its societal values.

He, however, asked youngsters to remain vigilant against "evil forces" involved in terror activities and "misguiding" them in the name of religion. "These forces have nothing to do with any religion.

They have been misusing the religion as their shield and are involved in bloodshed in the world...we have to remain alert against them in future too," he added.

Naqvi said the Central government has been working for socio-economic- educational empowerment of each section of the society including dalits, minorities, weaker sections, women and youths. Without naming any political party or organisation, he said "some people" are unable to digest steps taken by the government for welfare of common man and are trying to create hurdles in country's development path.

"...but these people will not succeed in their ulterior motive," he said. Naqvi also claimed the representation of minorities in government jobs has gone up to 8.70 percent (in 2014-15) during NDA regime from 6.91 percent (2012-13) recorded during UPA-II.

He urged the youth belonging to minority communities to take benefits the government schemes such as Seekho aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, Stand up India, Start up India, Make in India and others and "become a part of the development process".

PTI