Actions in Kashmir including steps against separatists will be in national interest: Rijiju

New Delhi: Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on Wednesday all actions in Jammu and Kashmir, including steps against separatists, will be taken keeping “national interest” in mind.

“Whatever actions … will be taken in the national interest. All actions will be taken keeping national security and other issues in mind,” Rijiju told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar here.

Asked about the “harsh steps” in the event of non-cooperation from opposition parties, the minister said: “There is no need to make a major issue out of these.

“This government is serious about national security as well as the welfare of the people across the country including in Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly all steps will be taken,” he said.

The remarks from Rijiju come even as Home Minister Rajnath Singh is engaged in a series of meetings with party colleagues and senior officials on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Members of an all-party delegation and Rajnath Singh are to meet here on Wednesday to discuss their findings of a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

IANS