LeT, stone-pelters not linked: HM

Srinagar: Notwithstanding the recent claims by local police, the Indian Home Ministry Wednesday said that there were no “definite reports” to suggest any links between Lashker-e-Toiba and stone-pelting in Kashmir Valley.

In a written statement in India’s upper house, Minister of State for Home, Ajay Maken said: “There are no definite reports to suggest that Lashkar-e-Taiba is behind the stone- pelting in the Kashmir valley. However, the role of LeT cannot be denied in provoking militancy in the State.”

The minister said that after the visit of all party delegation to the Valley in September this year, there has been a considerable decline in stone-pelting incidents.

“The Central Government has supported the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in tackling the law and order situation in the State by deployment of additional Central Para-Military Forces from time to time.”

The minister as per a PIB release to KMW said the Central and State Governments made several appeals for dialogue and peace to resolve the situation. “The Prime Minister convened an All Party meeting on 15th September and sought the guidance of various political parties represented in Parliament on the complex issues facing the State. In the light of the decision taken at the meeting, an All Parties Delegation visited J&K on 21st & 22nd September and met all sections of people.”

He said that the Government 8 point package announced by government of India following the delegations visit was under implementation.