NIZAMABAD: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday ruled out talks with Pakistan until it stopped aiding cross-border terrorism aimed at destabilising India. Singh was addressing a BJP public meeting at Nizamabad marking Telangana ‘Liberation’ Day.
Singh said the Centre had extended a hand of friendship to all neighbouring nations. “But Pakistan does not understand our friendship. It is hell-bent on weakening and destablising our country. They are nurturing terrorists and are resorting to ceasefire violations,’’ he said.
Recalling an incident in September 2014 when Pakistan’s ceasefire violations resulted in the death of five civilians, he said “We stick to ‘No first bullet’ policy but if the first bullet comes from the other side, there will not be any need to count the bullets fired from our side.’
Seeding confusion among BJP state cadre who have been targeting the TRS-run state government in the month leading to Sunday’s meeting, Singh did not speak on the ruling party, leaving that task to state BJP leaders.