Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 3: Former minister and senior Congress Dr Manohar Lal Sharma has reacted strongly to the statement of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti in which she claimed that ” nobody will hold Tricolor in Kashmir if Article 35A is tempered with”.
In a press statement here the PCC leader said it is unfortunate that CM of the State ruled by BJP-PDP coalition, is using the language of separatists and the coalition partner BJP is totally silent. Not even a single MLA or Minister from BJP dared to say something about this serious matter on national concern.
Dr Sharma questioned whether CM will tell the people of the Nation, who want to temper the Article 35A of Indian Constitution enabling legislature of the Jammu and Kashmir state special power to define the privileges of the permanent residents, either the coalition partner or opposition. ” If the BJP is against Art 35A why it is not being discussed in cabinet or in Legislative party meeting of collation parties instead of discussing in public ?” he remarked.
Congress leader said that the language used by Mehbooba Mufti deeply hurt the sentiments of people of the nation and every Indian should condemn such words irrespective of cast, creed, religion, region, belief and political affiliation. He said that the PDP and some other Kashmir based political parties and their leaders have developed habit to speaking against India by using anti- national stance and language of separatists.
Expressing surprise over the u-turn of BJP president Amit Shah after the threatening statement of Mehbooba Mufti on Cross LoC trade issue even without consulting security agencies who show great concern and apprehension of security threat and transportation of unauthorized arms and ammunition by terrorist organization in the state, he said that Congress is not against the resumption of cross LoC trade but it cannot be on the cost of National security. He said BJP should come clear over the stand.