The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Congress policies blamed for J&K turmoil

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Thursday, Aug 21, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Congress policies blamed for J&K turmoil

Venkaiah Naidu raps UPA for ‘unleashing separatist forces’

Amarnath issue is being portrayed as a struggle between Hindus and Muslims
Party to finalise candidates’ list in September first week, as early polls are likely

HYDERABAD: Former BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that “wrong policies” pursued by the Congress from the beginning were responsible for the turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir.

The “ineptitude” of the UPA government has given a new lease of life to "separatist forces", he told a press conference here on Wednesday.

Mr. Naidu accused the government of not putting in correct perspective, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, as there was “disinformation and misinformation campaign” in the country and abroad on what was happening. As a result, the situation had become “very critical”. Charging the Congress spokesperson with “irresponsible” talk by equating Hurriyat with Sri Amarnath Yatra Sangharsh Samiti, he said, it was a struggle between the “nationalist forces carrying the tricolour and separatist forces holding the Pakistani flag. How can you equate both,” he asked.

Muslim support

An attempt was also being made to portray it as a struggle between Muslims and Hindus, he said, adding that 20 per cent of Muslims in Jammu were supporting the agitation.The BJP leader alleged actions of the Congress were strengthening the attempts to "internationalise" the issue. The Congress was silent even though the separatists carried Pakistani flags.

The Congress’ ally, the People’s Democratic Party, was carrying out a "dangerous campaign" seeking dual currency and sovereignty. Not all people in the Valley were supporting the separatists, he added.

Mr. Naidu said the action of Jammu and Kashmir Governor N. N. Vohra in declaring that the land was not needed for the Amarnath Shrine Board was “unconstitutional”.

He reiterated the party’s demand for Mr. Vohra’s recall. He said the party would finalise the candidates’ list in September first week, as early elections were likely.

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