Despite the fact that the problem in Kashmir is a legacy of the Nehru-Gandhi family, its leaders continue to make irresponsible statements adding fuel to the fire. The recent utterances of its prominent national leaders and speeches made in the Parliament smack of a collusion between the separatists, pro-separatist National Conference and other secessionist elements in the Valley who are determined to exploit the current turmoil for their narrow political ends sacrificing the national interest blamed Brig Anil Gupta, state spokesperson of BJP. During the debate in Parliament, its seasoned senior leader and ex-Chief Minister of the state repeatedly referred to Pak Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) as “Azad Kashmir”, a term used by separatists and Pakistan while its young & upcoming leader Jyotiraditya Scindia asked for “Rai Shumari” (Plebiscite). “It clearly indicates the mind-set and warped thinking of the Congress Party & its leadership”, lamented Brig Gupta. Mani Shankar Aiyar has been reported in a section of media to have stated, “ movement in Kashmir is now not Pakistan-driven but principally indigenous.” He has advocated parallel dialogue with both Pakistan and separatist leadership of Kashmir. Admitting that the problem is the legacy of Nehru-Gandhi family led Congress governments he said, “it is unfortunate that the documents related to Round Table Meetings over Kashmir were buried by successive governments in Delhi.” Mani Shankar knows that it is Congress that has ruled this country for almost six decades, retorted Brig Gupta.
Bharatiya Janata Party has already expressed its opposition to the restoration of “grand bargain” proposition of ex- Home Minister Chidambram virtually endorsing the ‘greater autonomy’ demand of National Conference by terming it as “dangerous, anti-Jammu, anti-Ladakh and anti-India.” “While Chidambaram has failed to explain his failure to act when he held the all-important portfolio of Home Minister, his current utterances are not only factually incorrect, untimely, irresponsible but also opportunistic”, blamed Brig Gupta. The BJP spokesperson was also critical of a few self-assessed Jammu – based “nationalists” who have a single point agenda of BJP-bashing and continue to divert the people’s attention from reality at the behest of their erstwhile masters in the Congress.
The latest to join the band-wagon of ideologically bereft Congress leaders is the ex-President and former Union Minister Saif-ud- din Soz. Having been dumped by the current leadership of the state and wanting to remain politically relevant in the Valley, he lost no time in seconding the Chidambaram formula. Soz needs to be reminded that as the Congress President in the state not very long ago he strongly opposed the NC demand of ‘Greater Autonomy’. “Soz owes an explanation to the people of this state for the sudden change in heart and his pro-separatist leaning”, demanded Brig Gupta. BJP has also castigated Congress for its refusal to meet the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh who is visiting Kashmir for first hand assessment of the current situation terming Congress decision as “pro-separatist”.
