Militancy has entered its final phase in Kashmir: Jitendra Singh

Srinagar, July 12 (IANS) Militancy has entered its final phase in Kashmir, Minister of State in the PMO Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday.

"Decisive headway has been made against militancy during the last few weeks. Militancy has now entered its final phase in Kashmir," said Singh, who arrived here along with Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir, to assess the security situation in the aftermath of the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims.

Interacting with media, he said that the youth here is keen to be part of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's developmental journey.

"I am very optimistic that this militancy is also going to outlive its life as we have seen happening in other parts of the country.

"I think we are now in the last phase of the militancy", Singh said.

He said when Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke of a final solution of the Kashmir problem he was, in fact, referring to ending militancy in J&K which is an integral part of the country.

"I think the final solution is being interpreted in different ways by different sections. It means that this protracted phase of militancy, terrorism and violence would finally meet its end," said Jitendra Singh.

He also called on the civil society in Kashmir and the security forces have to cooperate with each other so that the situation gets better.

"The civil society cannot survive without the security forces as are the circumstances today.

"The security forces also know that they have to restrain themselves more than ever before in the last 25 years.

"The kind of restraint that they are exercising sometimes entails risk to their lives and jobs," he said.