Article 370 now history, will never come back: Amit Shah
Launches BJP manifesto for J&K polls
Jammu: Union Home Minister Amit Shah released on Friday the BJP’s manifesto for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, and asserted that Article 370 has become “history” and will never make a comeback in the Union territory.
Addressing a press conference here, the senior BJP leader said the last 10-year period will be written in golden letters in the history of the country and J&K, and urged people to vote his party to power to continue good governance.
Shah reached Jammu earlier in the day on a two-day visit to kickstart the BJP’s campaign for the assembly polls scheduled to be held in three phases on September 18, 25 and October 1.
“I have gone through the National Conference agenda. I want to make it clear to the whole country that Article 370 has become history and will never make a comeback,” the Union home minister said in his speech before releasing the BJP manifesto.
He said Article 370 is not part of the Constitution anymore. “This Article has only given arms and stones in the hands of the youth and facilitated them to tread the path of terrorism,” Shah added.
“I want to tell Omar Abdullah that whatever the results, we will not allow you to touch the reservation granted to Gujjars, Bakerwals and Pahadis,” he said.
Shah added terrorism will be completely eradicated from Jammu and Kashmir. “A white paper will be issued to fix the responsibility of those involved in the emergence of terrorism in J&K,” he added.
Appealing to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote for the BJP in the assembly elections, Shah said, “Give us a five-year tenure to ensure the development of the region.”
Shah said that India is not in favour of talks with Pakistan until terrorism ceases, emphasizing that “talks and bombs cannot go together”.
Shah, dismissed any possibility of dialogue with Pakistan amidst the ongoing terrorist activities.
“We are not in favour of talks with Pakistan unless and until terrorism does not end. But we will definitely talk to the youth of Kashmir,” he said.
Shah reiterated this stance when addressing questions about demands from the political parties to resume talks with Pakistan and restore cross LoC trade, saying, “Unless terrorism does not come to an end and a trade-terror eco-system is formed, we cannot agree with it.”
Replying to a question about the demand of the National Conference (NC) and the Congress about restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, he said “the demand is to mislead the people”.
“I have always accepted the demand. At an appropriate time, it will be restored,” he added.
The minister also reacted to Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s comments on outsiders ruling Jammu and Kashmir.
“If he says presidential rule is outsider rule, then I want to tell Rahul Gandhi it was time, when three times presidential rule was there during your rule in J&K,” he said.
Regarding security measures in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah assured that security measures have been fully put in place by the Narendra Modi government and Jammu and Kashmir administration.
He dismissed concerns of suppression of the Muslims in the valley and said “there is no question of it in Kashmir”.
Expressing confidence of the BJP forming the government in Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said, “There will be no government by the PDP, NC, and Congress ruled by dynasties. Rest possibilities, BJP will explore.”
Press Trust of India
