Any dilution to special status will lead to serious complications: JKPCC chief'

Amid raging debate over Article-35A of the Constitution, JKPCC chief G A Mir today said any dilution to the special status being enjoyed by the state would lead to serious complications.

While those propagating secessionism and separatism have to be isolated, any dilution to the special status will lead to serious complication of the problem and further vitiating the atmosphere in the state," Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee chief said, interacting with party leaders here.

Mir said the BJP along with RSS remained silent after committing status quo on special status of the state in the Agenda of Alliance with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for power and now raking up these issues for "vote bank politics" in view of general elections.

"The Congress workers must expose BJP's opportunistic and exploitative politics," he said, cautioning the workers not to fall prey to the "falsehood and divisive propaganda" of the Bharatiya Janata Party and other forces over various current controversies.

He asked the party workers to educate the masses about the historical perspective of special status of the state dating from Maharaja's rule and said Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a special status within the union of India based on the instrument of accession.

"Congress always safeguarded the special status of the state within the framework of the constitution of India, as there existed special circumstances at the time of its accession and thereafter.

"The relationship of the state and the Centre has always remained debatable on the quantum of autonomy and power to be enjoyed by the state with union of India, being integral part of India," he said.

Mir said it was also part of Indira-Sheikh accord in 1975 and it was debated in from time to time by the respective stake holders with the Government of India as per the aspirations of the people.

Referring to the issue of Hindu refugees from Pakistan, Valmikies and rights of daughters of the state, he said these issues have to be dealt with humanitarian grounds and need to be resolved by evolving political and social consensus.

He said Congress would stage comeback in the state in forthcoming elections including the Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat elections, as the people are ready to teach a lesson to the parties which betrayed them after seeking votes in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state.

"The people have identified the real face of BJP in Jammu region and would give them a befitting reply in any future elections in the state," he said.