Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar stated on Monday that any resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan is conditional on Pakistan taking credible action against terrorism. He made the remarks while responding to a question about a letter from 117 prominent citizens from both countries urging Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Shehbaz Sharif to revive bilateral talks and pursue lasting peace.
Condition for Talks: Dismantle Terror Camps
Referring to the aftermath of the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, Khattar emphasized that Pakistan must dismantle terrorist camps operating from its territory, take action against terror groups, and ensure terrorism no longer plays a role in Jammu and Kashmir before further discussions can take place. He reiterated India's consistent stance that dialogue and terror cannot go hand in hand.
PM Modi's Haryana Visit on July 17
On being asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Haryana, Khattar confirmed that the PM will visit the state on July 17. The visit will include the launch of a hydrogen-powered train and the inauguration of several other development projects. Khattar was interacting with mediapersons during his visit to Karnal city.
Review of Development Schemes in Karnal
Earlier, Khattar chaired a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting at the Mini Secretariat in Karnal. During the meeting, nearly 80 government schemes under 14 agenda items were reviewed. He instructed officials to ensure 100 percent registration of farmers on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora (MFMB) portal by July 31. He also called for wider coverage under the Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana and emphasized the need to promote natural farming.
Focus on Welfare Schemes
Khattar stressed strengthening school management committees, verifying BPL beneficiaries through surveys, expediting the distribution of pending Ayushman cards, identifying more street vendors under the PM SVANidhi scheme, and ensuring proper utilization of self-help group (SHG) loans. These measures aim to enhance the reach and effectiveness of central welfare programs in the district.
Renaming of Chowk After Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee
Later, Khattar visited Noor Mahal Chowk, which is proposed to be renamed after Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, with a statue of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder to be installed. “A final decision to rename this chowk after Dr. Mookerjee will be taken after discussions with local authorities,” said Khattar. The move is seen as a tribute to the prominent leader.
Response to Congress Criticism
Responding to remarks made by Congress MP Kumari Selja against the BJP government during her recent visit to Chanot village, Khattar said those who had led “inefficient governments” in the past were judging the present government by their own standards. “BJP government has delivered transparent and well-planned governance over the past decade,” he asserted.
Inauguration of Swami Dayanand Saraswati Chowk
Khattar also inaugurated the newly constructed Swami Dayanand Saraswati Chowk near the Sector 12-13 traffic light in Karnal. When asked about the absence of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh and three BJP MLAs from a recent programme attended by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Khattar acknowledged awareness of the matter but stated that any action, if required, would be taken by the Haryana BJP unit.
