Opposition wants discussion in RS on J&K; government says on Wednesday

Opposition parties on Tuesday once again sought a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. The government agreed and said a discussion will take place on Wednesday.

Raising the issue, Naresh Athawale of the Samajwadi Party (SP) wanted to know when a discussion on the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir would take place.

Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said the opposition would only help in controlling the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the government to send an all party delegation to the state.

"We are not just blaming the government; we are saying we will also help in controlling the situation," Azad said.

"If security forces and people see each other as enemy, the parliament cannot just watch that. You must send an all party delegation there in two days," he said.

Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Sharad Yadav said: "Other than the ruling alliance, the House and the country does not know what is happening. You have kept it in your hands in a sectarian way."

Communist Part of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury said the government should "start consultation with all and try to restore normalcy."

As the members had some arguments over the issue, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien intervened to say there ought not to be any politics over the Kashmir issue.

"Kashmir is not an issue to fight and to score political points. All of us are concerned it should be solved with the help of all people," Kurien said.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should speak on the issue.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi assured the House that a debate will take place on Wednesday.

Azad acknowledged Naqvi's assurance but said the debate should start at 11 a.m., suspending zero hour and question hour.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who had come to the House by then, expressed his agreement with Azad's proposal.

"I agree with the proposal. I believe Kashmir's situation is very serious. Solution to this complicated problem cannot be found alone. I would want every one's cooperation," Rajnath Singh said.

--IANS

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