RSS Backs PM’s Remarks, Blames Congress for Partition; Calls for Peace in Kashmir: Indresh Kumar

SRINAGAR: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar, who is on a two-day visit to Kashmir, addressed a press conference in Srinagar on Sunday, where he highlighted the role of Muslim Rashtriya Manch workers in propagating peace and unity across the Valley.

Indresh Kumar said that workers of the Manch from different parts of India had arrived in Kashmir with the message of peace and development. “These workers condemned the Pahalgam attack and organized a Tiranga rally where they raised slogans asserting that PoK is ours and that Hindus and Muslims together form one nation,” he told reporters.

Indresh Kumar as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust added that the workers expressed satisfaction over the return of normalcy in Kashmir despite the recent attack. “Gone are the days when people participated in militant funerals. Those supporting militancy are no more, and people should walk on the path of development and peace,” he remarked. Stressing religious harmony, he said every faith teaches peace.

Commenting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Kumar said the PM had spoken the truth by praising the RSS. “It was not Congress but passionate people across India who fought for freedom, while Congress only partitioned the country. Even courts have observed that Rahul Gandhi’s remarks lacked nationalistic spirit. The Congress should refrain from mudslinging,” he said.

Touching on international relations, Kumar said India believes in building good relations both within the country and abroad. However, he accused Pakistan of starting militancy in Kashmir, which claimed innocent lives. “Operation Sindoor was a befitting response, where India dismantled air bases without targeting civilians, unlike Pakistan,” he said.

The RSS leader maintained that Kashmir remains an internal matter of India and that Pakistan, China, or Russia would not be allowed to interfere in it. On militancy, he said it must end completely and urged people to embrace peace. “Stone pelters and OGWs cannot be forgiven again and again. How many chances should be given to those who refuse to walk the path of peace?” he asked.

On political matters, Kumar described the demand for restoration of statehood as a political issue.

He denied reports that Kashmiri students were attacked in any part of India following the Pahalgam attack. [KNT]