Article 370 had become shield for terrorists: Prasad

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Saturday that Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, had become a platform to "shield" terrorists and their patrons.

"The government's decision on Article 370 was taken in the interest of the nation as well as the common people of Jammu and Kashmir," Prasad told reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the 17th all India meet of state legal services authorities in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

"We should understand that it was a temporary provision and removed in the interest of the country," Prasad said. "We always strive for protection of the country and for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We want Jammu and Kashmir to progress."
On a query over Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement that India is preparing for a Balakot-like strike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Prasad said: "We don't have to take notice of what they are saying."