J-K polls chance to reclaim lost Kashmir: RSS

Image
Press Trust of India New Del
Last Updated : Nov 17 2014 | 7:45 PM IST
RSS, the ideological fountain head of BJP and other Sangh outfits, today said the coming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir was an opportunity to revive 'Kashmiriyat' in the state but refrained from commenting on abrogation of Article 370.
Launching a book 'Plight of Jammu and Kashmir- The Unknown Files' by Justice (retd) G D Sharma, RSS leader Indresh said "there is an opportunity in 2014 to get back lost Kashmir and 'Kashmiriyat' (peaceful coexistence and tradition) into the mainstream."
The RSS leader, who along with BJP leader Subramanian Swamy released the book, said the time had come for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have faced terrorism, discrimination and separatism, to get "industrialisation, education and India-nisation".
Refraining from making any direct comment on abrogation of Article 370 which gives special status to the state, Indresh "I have told you that BJP is going to release its manifesto and that manifesto will declare its policy (on Article 370). Wait for that."
When persisted, Indresh, who seemed to be agitated by quries from reporters, shot back saying "why you want to become a rebel?"
Swamy claimed Article 370 was a temporary clause and could be done away with by a Union Cabinet resolution. However, experts feel the resolution could be done away with only by a constituent assembly as it had existed in 1947.
In a warning, Indresh asked the media not to label "social worker and patriots" as terrorists. He was replying to questions about involvement of right-wing group in terror cases including in Malegaon 2008 bombings in which some people having links to RSS have been arrested.
"Don't do the business of labelling people as terrorists. You (media) should be careful (in writing about right wing terror) so that you don't have to repent for it. You should think 10 times before branding a patriot or social workers with this (terrorist)," Indresh said.
He dubbed the cases of right wing terrorism, which were registered during UPA tenure, were "political conspiracies".
"I had then also said it was a political conspiracy and that time has proved that it was a disgusting political conspiracy," said Indresh, a member of RSS national executive.
He also urged the BJP government to keep making efforts to reclaim those parts of Jammu and Kashmir which are occupied by Pakistan and China.
"It is not land. It is our motherland. There is no compromise on motherland but only sacrifices," he said.
On return of Kashmiri pandits to the Valley, Indresh said people in the state and the rest of the country should work towards bringing back nearly 59,000 families back to the Kashmir valley.
Swamy suggested settling of ex-servicemen in the Valley who will create an "opportune climate" for return of Kashmiri pandits.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 17 2014 | 7:45 PM IST

Next Story