Congress urges government not to precipitate crisis in J&K

NEW DELHI: Congress on Friday warned the central government against any decision that would precipitate a crisis in in Jammu and Kashmir and asked it to maintain the constitutional guarantees given to the state.

This statement came after Congress’ J&K Policy Planning Group met under the chairmanship of Manmohan Singh on Friday in the wake of government advisory asking Amarnath pilgrims and tourists to leave J&K. “The group also discussed the widespread fear and apprehension in the minds of the people across the state of J&K about the government’s intentions of abolishing Articles 35-A and 370. They reiterated the considered policy of the Congress and asked the government to maintain the constitutional guarantees given to the state of Jammu & Kashmir,” the statement said.

Referring to the heightened tension in J&K, the Congress body said, “There was deep concern expressed at the continuous reports emanating from both the Union home ministry and the state government which are creating an atmosphere of panic and apprehension about the intentions of the government,” it stated.


“The massive buildup of security forces, the curtailment of the Sri Amarnath Yatra, the unprecedented advisories being issued to the tourists, yatris and other civilians are all creating an atmosphere of heightened insecurity and fear.” Apart from Singh, Congress J&K group comprises Ghulam Nabi Azad, P Chidambaram and Ambika Soni among others.