‘J&K will remain integral part of India; BJP committed to Statehood, rejects pre‑1953 references; Congress exposed today’
Waris Fayaz
Srinagar, Sep 28 (KNO): Leader of Opposition Sunil Kumar Sharma on Monday said there was “no place for any Pakistani agenda” in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Union Territory would remain an integral part of India.
Addressing reporters, according to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Sharma said the BJP was committed to the restoration of statehood but opposed references to the 2000 autonomy resolution and the 2024 special‑status resolution included in the resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“J&K is an integral part of India, and it will always remain. There is no room for any Pakistan agenda here,” Sharma said.
He said the BJP would support a resolution confined to the restoration of statehood, but would not accept references that, according to him, went beyond the statehood issue.
“If the CM brings only a statehood resolution, we will support it. Statehood is the agenda of the BJP and we are committed to it. It will come,” he said.
Sharma objected to the references to the 2000 and 2024 resolutions, alleging that these raised issues linked to the pre‑1953 constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The resolution was moved by the CM. If it was only for statehood, we would have taken part. But the references to 2000 and 2024 violate the Constitution,” he said.
The LoP also questioned the Congress over its position on the issue and asked whether the party supported a return to the pre‑1953 constitutional arrangement and restoration of provisions associated with Article 370 and Article 35A.
“Congress got exposed today and they have to answer the country. Do they want the pre‑1953 situation, Article 370 and 35A? They should answer and their leaders should be held accountable,” Sharma said.
He alleged that the National Conference and Congress were attempting to revive issues that could affect peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is not like the opposition will oppose everything. J&K is a sensitive state and we have neighbours who always try to take advantage of things and disturb peace,” he said.
Sharma said the prevailing situation in J&K was peaceful and described restoration of statehood as the remaining major issue.
“Today the situation is peaceful and only statehood is missing. BJP is in support of the statehood demand of the government,” he said.
Sharma also criticised Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather for allowing the resolution to be taken up despite BJP objections. He said the BJP had moved a motion seeking the Speaker’s removal.
“We moved a motion for the immediate removal of the Speaker. He has no right to be there,” Sharma said.
On the timeline for restoration of statehood, Sharma questioned the Chief Minister’s authority to set a deadline.
“Who is the CM to set a timeline? Statehood will be given and we are committed to it. Discussions should not be taken in a hurry,” he said.
Sharma also announced that the BJP would launch massive protests across Jammu and Kashmir against the resolution, particularly over references to revive the pre‑1953 constitutional position—(KNO)
