Cong stand on Art 370 crystal clear: Karra

Jammu, Nov 14: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President Tariq Hameed Karra Thursday stated that Congress stand on Article 370 was crystal clear as it found reflection in CWC resolution of August 6, 2019.

In the same breath he stated that after the Supreme Court’s verdict, the only issue remained related to statehood.

Regarding spurt in terror incidents in J&K, he said that the Centre and LG administration were answerable for that as they had claimed credit for earlier peaceful spell.

While responding to media queries on the sidelines of Nehru Jayanti celebrations at JKPCC office in Jammu, Karra accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of wilfully creating confusion.

He stated, “Congress party’s August 6, 2019 (CWC) resolution is self explanatory. I don’t know why those questioning Congress forget that resolution, which has clarity on this account. I don’t think BJP would be unaware of this resolution. But let me make it clear that the party (BJP) would not be able to succeed in its misinformation campaign on this account.”

“As far as development inside the J&K Legislative Assembly or outside is concerned, we’ve made the party’s position very clear on that account also. After the Supreme Court’s verdict, if there is anything which needs to be demanded or if there is some pending issue – that is only statehood. That is our position. Now who wants to give which angle or tilt to it (Congress’ stance), I’m not concerned with that. I’m concerned with my party’s stand, which is crystal clear,” Karra said, while responding to a query about Congress’ stand on resolution seeking special status, recently passed in the J&K Legislative Assembly and restoration of Article 370.

With regard to BJP leaders’ repeated salvos against Pandit Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, JKPCC President said, “Before targetting them (Congress leaders), they should have first assessed their own political standing.”

“Their (BJP’s) all attempts to erase the name of Indira Gandhi from Indian history, from people’s memory or attempt to diminish her monumental contribution will fail. BJP and RSS, even if, continue to make such attempts for thousands of years, they are bound to fail. Indiraji has given her life for the integrity of this nation. Similarly, the contributions of Nehruji and Rajivji can never be forgotten. Congress leaders have given their blood for the country for communal harmony,” he said.

“Our memories are very short. Just a few months ago, they (Centre and LG administration) were glorifying the peaceful spell, which could have been lull before the storm. They were referring to the conduct of international conferences here in J&K to point out that they had restored peace here and were taking credit. So if there’s anyone answerable before the nation regarding spurt in terror incidents in J&K, it is the Union Government and thef LG administration which were glorifying the peaceful spell and taking credit for that,” Karra said, responding to a question about spurt in terror incidents in J&K post assembly elections.

He alleged that the present ruling dispensation at the Centre was trying to change history and erase the contribution of Pandit Nehru and other leaders like him from text books in a systematic manner. He stated, “To counter this divisive politics, from this year onwards, Nehru Jayanti celebrations would not just be ceremonial but it would be week-long celebrations across J&K to keep the young generation aware about the monumental contribution of such great leaders.”

Earlier, paying rich tributes to first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru on his birth anniversary, JKPCC chief said that Nehruvian philosophy was more relevant in the present times than before in view of the challenges posed by the communal and divisive forces.

Addressing the gathering in the function to celebrate 135th birth anniversary of Pandit Nehru, JKPCC Chief said that the biggest tribute would be to understand and revive the Nehruvian thought and philosophy ,which was under attack at present by the BJP and RSS, posing a great danger to the secular fabric of the nation.

The main function was held by the party at party headquarter Shaheedi Chowk Jammu today, while a series of programmes were held in different chowks of Jammu city by Congress Seva Dal besides in different districts and block headquarters in the region.

PCC Chief described Nehru as a great statesman and visionary leader who laid the sound foundation of modern India. “He is known as the architect of modern India because of his multi-dimensional contributions in shaping the future of independent India,” Karra said.