Srinagar, Sep 28 (KNO): Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Monday said there is no room for any Pakistan agenda in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the Union Territory would remain an integral part of India.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Sharma, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the BJP is committed to restoration of Statehood but opposed references to the 2000 autonomy resolution and the 2024 special-status resolution. “J&K is an integral part of India and it will always remain. There is no room for any Pakistan agenda here,” he said.
The LoP said the BJP would support the resolution if it was confined to restoration of Statehood. “If the CM brings only a Statehood resolution, we will support it. Statehood is the agenda of the BJP and we are committed to it. It will come,” he said.
He further objected to references to the 2000 and 2024 resolutions, saying these raised issues linked to the pre-1953 constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The resolution was moved by the CM. If it was only for Statehood, we would have taken part. But the references to 2000 and 2024 violate the Constitution,” he said.
On the Congress, the LoP said the party had been exposed during the Assembly proceedings and questioned its position on issues concerning the erstwhile special constitutional provisions.
“Congress got exposed today and they have to answer the country. Do they want the pre-1953 situation, Article 370 and 35A? They should answer and their leaders should be held accountable,” he said.
The LoP alleged that the National Conference and Congress were attempting to revive issues that could affect peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “It is not that the opposition will oppose everything. J&K is a sensitive state and we have neighbours who always try to take advantage of things and disturb peace,” he said.
He said the situation in J&K was peaceful and that restoration of Statehood remained the outstanding demand. “Today the situation is peaceful and only Statehood is missing. BJP is in support of the Statehood demand of the government,” he said.
The LoP further criticised the Speaker for allowing the resolution to be taken up despite BJP objections and said the party had moved a motion seeking his removal.
On the timeline for restoration of Statehood, he said the Chief Minister could not set a deadline. “Who is the CM to set a timeline? Statehood will be given and we are committed to it. Discussions should not be taken in a hurry,” he said.
Sharma further said the BJP would launch protests across Jammu and Kashmir against the resolution, opposing what it described as an attempt to revive issues related to the pre-1953 period.—(KNO)