Revelations of Fear: Sushilkumar Shinde Recalls His Kashmir Visits

Former Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde reveals his fears during visits to Kashmir's Lal Chowk and Dal Lake in his memoir. Shinde candidly shared that despite the positive publicity, he experienced fear he couldn't disclose. His remarks coincide with intense political activity concerning Kashmir.

Former Home Minister of India, Sushilkumar Shinde, reminisced about his visits to Jammu and Kashmir during his tenure, confessing that he often felt fear but was unable to share it. Speaking at the launch of his memoir 'Five Decades of Politics' at the India International Centre in Delhi, Shinde recounted his trips to places like Lal Chowk and Dal Lake in Srinagar. Despite receiving positive publicity for his visits, he admitted to being scared.

Shinde disclosed that his visits were prompted by educationalist and advisor Vijay Dhar, whose suggestions were intended to convey a message of governmental accessibility. 'Before becoming Home Minister, I consulted Vijay Dhar, who advised me to tour Lal Chowk and Dal Lake. This earned me positive visibility, making people believe that I visited without fear, but in truth, I was scared,' Shinde said, attempting to lighten the mood. 'I told you this just to make you laugh, but an ex-policeman can't speak like this,' he added.

Shinde's comments come amid ongoing elections in Jammu and Kashmir, with the BJP asserting that abrogating Article 370 has restored peace in the region. On September 7, Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party, accusing past governments of ignoring terrorism and fleeing to Delhi during crises.

(With inputs from agencies.)