RS to discuss Kashmir on Wednesday after opposition demand

As the opposition parties on Tuesday once again sought a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley, the government agreed and said a discussion will take place on Wednesday.

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

Leader of the 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," the Congress leader said.

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

Janata Dal-United 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 Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said the government should "start consultations with all and try to restore normalcy."

As members argued over the issue, Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien intervened to say there should be no 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 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 the Zero Hour and the Question Hour.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who had come to the House by then, agreed 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 everyone's cooperation," Rajnath Singh said.

--IANS

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