Cong, BJP members clash in Lok Sabha on J&K

Remarks of Udhampur Congress member Lal Singh that BJP leaders were responsible for the troubles in Jammu and Kashmir led to a clash between members from the two parties in the Lok Sabha today.

During the debate on the bill to amend the Central Universities Act, 2009, Singh taunted the BJP members by blaming its leaders from late Shyama Prasad Mookherjee to present day leaders for "setting Jammu and Kashmir on fire every six months".

He said Jammu and Kashmir youth made more sacrifice than Himachal Pradesh -- from freedom struggle to Kargil battle.

Singh was countering the comments of Anurag Thakur (BJP) on the sacrifice made by Himachal Pradesh youth, who joined the armed forces in large numbers annually.

Soon after Singh made these comments, BJP members, including Thakur, were on their feet in protest, saying they never opposed the central universities for Jammu and Kashmir, nor did they question the valour of the youth of the border state.

Francisco Sardinha, who was in the chair, asked Singh to speak on the Bill and not deviate. He also warned that he may have to call the next speaker if Singh did not stick to the bill.