LS gives nod to extend Prez Rule in J&K3
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday blamed country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for the Kashmir problem. He claimed that terrorism is in its last stage and his Government will ensure that J&K is freed from the grip of “three dynastic families”. He also asserted that Article 370, which gave special status to J&K, is a “temporary provision.”
Replying to a statutory resolution seeking Lok Sabha’s consent to extend President’s Rule in Jammu & Kashmir and extend reservation in the Government jobs in the villages of International Border besides Line of Actual Control in the State, he said the Government has spent `2,307 crore to upgrade security apparatus and completed all the demands of the armaments and equipments by the CRPF in the State.
The Lok Sabha on Friday gave its nod to extend President’s Rule in J&K for another six months beginning July 3, with Shah asserting that Assembly elections in the State will be held in a democratic, free and fair manner as soon as the Election Commission announces the dates.
The Lok Sabha also cleared the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, to replace an Ordinance issued by the previous Government.
The Home Minister said all the elections in the border State were “farjee” (fake) and remote- controlled by a few families which caused a distrust and gap between the people of J&K and the Government.
The situation, he said, has changed now with 40000 “panchs” and “sarpanchs” invested with true power in the recently held polls.
“We gave power to the people which was thus far limited to three families,” Shah said apparently alluding to families of Abdullahs, Muftis and Gandhis. He said people in the State have “opportunity” to free themselves from the stranglehold of these families.
Shah said terrorism in the State will be eradicated soon as the elements who were provided security for “speaking against India” have been put behind the bars, unauthorised Pakistani channels airing anti-India propaganda are banned, and morale of Armed forces is high after the IAF strike at Balakot in Pakistan.
He said out of 2,000 police personnel deployed for personal security in Kashmir, 919 have been removed. Shah said security privileges were accorded to outfits like JKLF, Jammat-e-Islami and others who are part of the ‘Tukde-Tukde gang’ supporting “Azadi”.
Shah said people speak against India in J&K to get security cover. In fact, he said, people who speak for India face the real threat.
Responding to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi’s query on Article 370, the Home Minster said, “Article 370 is temporary and not permanent, you know… with the consent of Sheikh Abdullah.”
Lashing out at the Congress and first PM Nehru, he said one-third of J&K is not with India.
“Who is responsible?,” he asked drawing a sharp reaction from Congress members.
The House witnessed disruptions over Shah naming Nehru. He said Nehru did not take Sardar Ballabhbhai Patel in confidence while announcing ceasefire when Indian forces had advanced into occupied Kashmir combating the ‘Kabayali raid’ by Pakistan in 1948. He said barring Kashmir all princely States were integrated into the country by Patel’s initiative. “Ek Bhool” of Nehru has cost country dear, he claimed.
Continuing his attack on the Opposition party, he said so far Article 356 (President’s Rule) was imposed 132 times of which the Congress used it 93 times to dismiss State Governments.