‘No Place For Article 370 In India’s Constitution Anymore’: Shah In J-K Slams Congress, NC For Aiming Revival

Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to eradicate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and asserted that Article 370 will never be reinstated. He accused the NC-Congress alliance of encouraging militancy.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah speaks during a public meeting ahead of J&K Assembly elections, in Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.

Source : PTI

Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed on Monday that the BJP-led Union government will ensure that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is eradicated so thoroughly that it will never resurface. Speaking at an election rally in the Padder-Nagseni assembly segment of Kishtwar district, Shah emphasised that Article 370 is now a part of history and will never be reinstated in India’s constitution.

"Today, I promise the people of Jammu and Kashmir, including this region with its history of sacrifices since terrorism erupted in 1990, that we will bury terrorism so deeply that it will never surface again," Shah declared, as quoted by news agency PTI. He criticised attempts to revive and strengthen terrorism, drawing a comparison to the situation of the 1990s.

Paying tribute to victims of terrorism, Shah specifically mentioned BJP leaders Anil Parihar and Ajit Parihar, and RSS leader Chanderkant Sharma. He accused the National Conference (NC) and Congress of making promises to release terrorists from jails if they form a government. "In front of Maa Machial Mata’s shrine, I assure you that this is Modi’s government and no one has the courage to spread terrorism on Indian soil," Shah asserted.

Shah highlighted the BJP government's initiatives to strengthen village defence guards and Special Police Officers, equipping them with modern weapons. He promised that the security grid will effectively combat any terrorist threats.

This was Shah’s second visit to the Jammu region in a fortnight. Monday marked the last day of campaigning for 24 assembly constituencies, including Padder-Nagseni, which will vote in the first phase on September 18. The BJP has fielded former minister Sunil Sharma from this constituency.

Shah urged voters to support BJP candidate Shugan Parihar, describing the election as a contest between the BJP and the NC-Congress alliance. He accused the NC and Congress of planning to restore Article 370 and warned that such a move would reverse reservations given to Paharis, Gujjars, and others. 

“This election is between two powers, on one side National Conference and PDP and on the other BJP. The NC-Congress are saying that if we form the government we will restore Article 370. Tell me should it be restored?” he asked.

“Don’t worry, I am watching the situation in Kashmir and be assured that neither Abdullahs' nor Rahul’s party are going to form the government in J-K,” the Union Home Minister remarked. He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370, and it has now become a part of history books. “There is no place for it in the constitution of India anymore,” Shah remarked. 

NC And Congress Insulted Maharaja Hari Singh, Forced Out Kashmiri Pandits: Amit Shah

The former BJP president also criticised the NC and Congress for past actions, including the deportation of Maharaja Hari Singh and the failure to grant reservations to deserving groups. He claimed that the NC and Congress insulted the Dogras by deporting the last Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh. Citing a video of Maharaja’s son Karan Singh expressing displeasure over the return of his ashes to J-K, instead of the mortal remains, Shah said, “They insulted the Maharaja and forced out Kashmiri Pandits. Whenever they came to power, terrorism got encouragement. They snatched rights of women and never granted reservation to the deserving sections”.

Referring to Jana Sangh leader Pandit Prem Nath Dogra’s agitation against Article 370, Shah reiterated the BJP’s commitment to a unified India under one constitution and flag.

Targeting Farooq Abdullah, Shah questioned his whereabouts during the 1990s terror crisis and accused him of enjoying in London while militancy surged. He also slammed Omar Abdullah for making contradictory statements on fighting the polls, "Sometimes Omar Abdullah is saying that he will not fight elections in the Union territory, but later he came out to submit his nominations from two seats, the home minister said. His defeat is certain from both seats."

Shah praised PM Modi for strengthening grassroots democracy by holding elections to all tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions. He assured that the BJP’s manifesto promises development, job creation, and the enhancement of the Machail Mata shrine.

Shah warned that if the NC-Congress alliance returns to power, there will be a resurgence of violence, stone-pelting, and restrictions on religious and cultural activities. He urged voters to support the BJP for peace and progress in the region, while warning terrorists that they will be dealt with decisively by Indian security forces.

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