Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 23: Former Minister and AICC member Abdul Gani Vakil today said that Congress is committed to strengthening Article 370 and would oppose any move to dilute it tooth and nail. The forces trying to weaken or erode it were inimical to peace and tranquility, he said.
Congress, he added, will fight for it both inside the Parliament as well as outside. Coming down heavily on BJP for its divisive politics, Vakil said in wake of prevailing sensitive situation in Kashmir no one should attempt to vitiate the atmosphere by issuing unproductive, uncalled for and discordant statements. This is the time when a kind of confidence is to be instilled in people of State so that they could come out of blue and lead a peaceful life.
The State, with the active support of Central Government, has come a long way in witnessing development, peace and prosperity and any such attempt to reverse this process would be countered head on, Vakil said while addressing a meeting of Seva Dal workers here today, which was presided over by Balvinder Singh Sambyal, Chief J&K Sevadal.
While addressing the meeting, Vakil appealed the Hurriyat leaders to discontinue with the practices of announcing strikes, as the socio-economic condition of Kashmir was already jeopardized and continuing strikes and curfews will add to the miseries of people.
He asked the Government not to suppress people and try to gradually lift curfews from remote areas where people were craving for essential services. Such curbs, he said, severely damage economy and development. Sensing the gravity of situation some relaxations must be given in some parts in a phased manner, he added.
Besides others who addressed the gathering included Chowdhary Mohammad Anwar Phambra, general secretary Seva Dal, Jugal Kishore Sharma, senior vice- president INTUC etc.
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