Wagah, November 2
“Talks would be held on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir if at all talks are held on Kashmir”, Mr ID Swami, Union Minister of State for Home, said after the retreat ceremony here yesterday.
Mr Swami said Jammu and Kashmir was a part of India and its people had faith in the Indian democracy. The proof of this was in the overwhelming response to the elections held there. He said the 12-point charter by India had received appreciation the world over and Pakistan’s lukewarm response to it had isolated it from the world community.
He said India had taken the initiative in the introduction of the Lahore bus and initiating peace in the region. It was now the turn of Pakistan to respond positively.
On the apprehensions of arms smuggling, fake currency and spies from across the border following the proposal for restarting the Samjhauta Express, he said agencies concerned would be involved actively to thwart any such attempt.
He said the government was considering to set up a “border directorate” for border management. “It would be separate department looking after all border affairs and issues, which were initially under home affairs”, he said.
On Mr Parkash Singh Badal, he said the NDA supported him and he did not need a clean chit from the Congress as people would give the verdict in the forthcoming elections.
Lauding the BSF, he said modern weaponry and technical equipment would be provided to the force. He said there was a proposal to set up a rehabilitation agency to look into problems and give facilities to paramilitary forces on the pattern of Army welfare board.
“A Rs 2000-crore package has been sanctioned by the Union Government to strengthened policing in states. The Union would provide Rs 1000 crore while each state would provide its share as per their requirements”, he said.
“Till now, 2.25 crore farmers have been given credit cards which entailed an interest of 9 per cent on loan up to Rs 2 lakh”, he said. The government was also planning an insurance scheme for agricultural produce.
The BSF presented a charter of demands to the minister comprising facilities of reserve coach on a par with that of Army.
