Over three-fourths of J&K population supported Art 370

Article 370 was like a "canker" that bled Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday, asserting that more than three-fourths population of the erstwhile state supported its abrogation.

Addressing a "Jan Jagran Sabha" (public awareness meet) organized by the BJP here, where leaders spoke on the Narendra Modi government's move to strip J&K of the special status, Singh said the party has lived up to its promises.

"As a nationalist party, the BJP never softened its stand on the issue. Article 370 was like a canker (nasoor) which left J&K bleeding. We have now demonstrated that we are an honest and credible party which fulfills its promises," Singh said evoking applause from the crowd.

He blamed Article 370, and Article 35A which arose out of it, for the state being in the throes of terrorism.

"J&K will now be transformed within five years. In fact, more than three-fourths of its population wanted this provision to go. Our intentions were good and it is no surprise that our move was supported wholeheartedly by our alliance partners," Singh said.

Cautioning the neighbouring country against promoting cross-border terrorism, in the wake of the recent developments in Kashmir, he said, "Talks with Pakistan will henceforth resume only after it stops promoting terrorism. And it must also keep in mind that J&K is an integral part of India. All discussions will only take place about Pak-occupied Kashmir."