Cong urges PM to appeal to people of Kashmir from ‘heart’ not ‘lips’
ATTACK Questions why Modi chose to speak on the Valley unrest from Madhya Pradesh
NEW DELHI: Congress raised questions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks about ‘insaniyat’, ‘jamhooriyat’ and ‘Kashmiriyat on Wednesday and said appeal should go out to Kashmiris from the “heart” rather than “lips” only to enable “integration of minds and heart”.
As the Rajya Sabha took up a discussion on the prevailing situation in Kashmir, Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad pitched for sending an all-party delegation to the Valley besides an appeal by Parliament for end to violence which is being witnessed there for the last 33 days.
“We should appeal for peace and tranquillity from here for better future of Kashmir. This kind of unison voice should go from Parliament. That apart, an all-party delegation should go there,” the Congress leader said.
Initiating the discussion, Azad criticised the PM for his “delayed” comments on the Kashmir situation and said even those were made at a rally in Madhya Pradesh rather than in Parliament. “We are discussing the Kashmir issue for the fourth time. The PM should come. The PM chose Madhya Pradesh to speak on Kashmir. He did not come to this House,” he said, adding, “Since when has Madhya Pradesh become the capital of the country?”
Meanwhile, home minister Rajnath Singh said instructions have been issued to security forces to exercise “maximum restraint” but there will be no compromise on national security and pro-Pakistan slogans on the Indian soil will not be tolerated in any case.
“No power on earth can snatch Kashmir from us,” he declared.
At the end of the debate, the Rajya Sabha unanimously adopted a resolution, saying: “This House expresses its serious concern over the prolonged turbulence, violence and curfew in the Kashmir valley.” It added that the House “conveys its deep sense of anguish and concern over the loss of lives and critical injuries caused by the deteriorating situation.”