Summary:
Srinagar, Oct 25 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the government would rather hold talks with the youth and "brothers and sisters" of the Valley than Pakistan as suggested by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
He also said the only intention behind repealing Article 370 was to put Kashmir and Jammu on the path of development, and people will see the "fruits of our efforts by 2024".
The home minister, who arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday for his first visit since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, remotely inaugurated several development projects and laid the foundation stone of some.
Before beginning his 38-minute-long speech at a function here, the home minister got the bullet proof glass shield for the speaker removed.
Later, he told the audience that he likes to have a "mann ki baat" (talk straight from his heart) with the people.
"I was cursed and criticised bitterly and today, I wish to talk to you with an open heart without security and without any bullet proof glass.