The Modi led NDA government and PDP-BJP dispensation of Jammu and Kashmir came under sharp attack in Lok Sabha over the unrest in the Valley, with opposition alleging their failure to address the situation and pressing for a political solution. For several days the House took up a discussion on the ongoing unrest in Kashmir with various parties demanded sending an all-party delegation to the Valley. During the proceedings several leaders from different parties took part in the debate over the Kashmir situation. Kashmir Leader pieces together the views put forth by members from different parties about the unrest.
Ghulam Nabi Azad
Leader of opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said while his party stands with the Modi government and the coalition in the state in dealing firmly with militancy, the “excessive use” of force against the common citizens, including children and women, is not acceptable. “The situation in Kashmir is worse than what it was in 2008 and 2010,” Azad said, wondering what went wrong this year that more than 40 people have been killed since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani earlier this month. The prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir has many aspects – the internal situation, the role of the state and central government, and external forces,” the Congress leader said.
Arun Jaitley
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley admitted that the situation in Kashmir was a “matter of concern” but rejected the contention that the unrest in the Valley was a result of the BJP getting into power at the state. Asserting that efforts are underway to restore normalcy at the earliest, he said the entire country should speak in one voice at this time and common man should not be made to suffer there.
Jyotiraditya Scindia
The Congress leader said in Lok Sabha that there should be “rai shumari (plebiscite)” in Kashmir but, under fire, later explained that he meant dialogue, not referendum, as the situation in the Valley has deteriorated and the PDP-BJP government has “insulted” the “crown” of India. “PDP-BJP government has shed all the principles. Administration is divided and the government, which should support people, is using weapons against them,” Scindia said, adding “the wounds there can be healed only through humanity.”
Asad-ud-Din Owaisi
The AIMIM leader, while speaking in the LOk Sabha debate said: “We told them we will talk with ballots, not bullets. But we are sending out the message that we would respond to stones with pellets. We should ask ourselves whether we treat Kashmiris as regular citizens.”
Rajnath Singh
“Whatever is happening in Kashmir is Pakistan-sponsored. The name is ‘Pakistan’, but its acts are ‘na-pak’ (not pious),” Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in the parliament. Rejecting ‘plebiscite’ demands as an “outdated” idea, the Minister asserted that Kashmiris are “our own people” who are being “misguided” as it blamed Pakistan for the unrest in the valley and said all parties will be taken along in dealing with the situation.
Dr Karan Singh
“Everybody is dissatisfied in the state. Congress has been in power in 10 years and has taken various initiatives, but the status quo remains. Is there a political will to solve the crisis? An all-party delegation can go to J&K with ideas, but is there anyone in the state willing to listening to us. It is a challenge before all of us,” said Dr Singh.
Praful Patel
“The situation in Kashmir has never been as worrisome as it is today. Separatist forces be it Burhan or Geelani have always potrayed Kashmir in a different way. Not here to blame any government but we should unite as a country and work to restore peace in Kashmir,” Patel said. “The existence of Pakistan army is basically to keep the fight between India and Pakistan alive,” he said, adding that whether Pakistan is involved in the violence is not to be ignored but we must see what we can do to ease the violence. Patel added that there’s no Hindu-Muslim issue in Kashmir. “For years the Amarnath Yatra has been on safely.”
Sitaram Yechuri
“My heart goes out to the young lives that have been lost in Kashmir. Tens of youths have been killed and just one police officer has lost his life. This shows the balance of power. Several are battling injuries to their eyes and we don’t know if their vision will be restored,” said Yechuri. “I urge the government to send medical help to Kashmir along with the additional forces that it plans to send. Nobody is denying that Pakistan has a hand in this, but what are we doing about it? What was the cause of the unrest? Home Minister spoke to us asking for solutions. We said hold dialogues. That’s the way forward. Where is the feeling of humanity which Vajpayee used to talk about?” he asked.
Sharad Yadav
JD(U) leader said guns and violence is no solution to the on-going violence in the Valley urging the government to keep the use of force within the limits of humanity. “The internal security of Kashmir should be strengthened and at the same time we should have talks with those who don’t share the same views as us,” Yadav said, adding that the entire country stands with the government on the issue and the love for Kashmir extends throughout the country.
Muzaffar Hussain Baig
The PDP MP attacked Pakistan for “its interference in Kashmir.” You (Pakistan) gave guns in our youth’s hands, how did that benefit you,” asked Baig. “With Prime Minister’s ‘use minimum force’ comment, I see light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t shed tears for Burhan Wani, but I do shed tears for that youth who lost his eyes due to pellet fire. If India has an option to use its moral authority, it’s better,” said Baig, adding, “There were several militants, with whom talks were held and they were allowed to contest polls and went on to become lawmakers.”
D Raja
Raja said the situation in Kashmir was alarming and the Valley was full of tragedies. “The PM himself admitted there was excess use of force. Hundreds of our young children are likely to lose their vision and many have lost their lives. Why is there a conflict between our security forces and our own people? Is Kashmir a law and order problem? Kashmir will always be a political problem that needs a political solution?” said Raja. “We must consult all stake holders in Kashmir, including separatists. Political solution is possible only by winning their confidence. This can only happen through a political solution. Why can’t you think about withdrawing AFSPA in civilian areas? There are even reports about establishing separate colonies,” said Raja.
