New Delhi: Union home minister Rajnath Singh declared on Wednesday that “no power on earth can take Kashmir from India”, squarely blaming Pakistan for “whatever is happening in Kashmir”.
The minister said: “Whatever is happening in Kashmir is not because of its people... whatever is happening is Pakistan-sponsored”. He also warned that the use of pro-Pakistan slogans on Indian soil would not be tolerated, and urged Kashmir’s youth not to indulge in activities like hoisting ISIS flags.
The Upper House later unanimously adopted a resolution appealing to the people of the Kashmir Valley to restore peace and harmony.
“The House expresses serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in the Kashmir Valley,” it said, adding: “The House conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation.” The resolution said the House “is of the firm and considered view that while there cannot be any compromise on national security, it is also imperative that urgent steps are taken to restore order and peace for the alleviation of the sufferings of the people”.
It added: “The House appeals to all sections in Jammu and Kashmir to work for the early restoration of normalcy and harmony and unanimously resolves to restore confidence among the people in general and youth in particular.”
The debate, initiated by former J&K CM and the Leader of the Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad, saw Congress MPs Karan Singh and Vivek Tankha, PMO minister of state Jitender Singh and BJP MP Shamsher Singh Manhas, PDP MPs Nazir Ahmad Laway and Mir Mohammed Fayaz, D. Raja of the CPI, CPI(M) boss Sitaram Yechury, the RJD’s Ram Jethmalani and representatives from other parties speaking, acknowledging its seriousness. All members felt the issue should not be politicised and all stakeholders be brought in for talks.
