Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Nov 13: Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Gulam Nabi Azad today said that Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of India and the Congress Party has its clear stand on this issue.
While reacting to the statement of National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah that PoK is part of Pakistan, Azad said here” so far as I and my party are concerned, PoK is part of Jammu and Kashmir and it should remain as part of Jammu and Kashmir as J&K is part of India.
Azad further said each political party, even the BJP and RSS, has its own stand on this matter. But Congress party has its clear stand that PoK is the part of Jammu and Kashmir and Kashmir is the integral part of India.
Referring to the coming elections in Gujarat, Azad said that the Election Commission (EC) should ensure free and fair Assembly polls in Gujarat, and that “without any fear”.
“I would request the Election Commission that they should ensure free and fair election, without any fear… That is our apprehension,” Azad told reporters.
While replying to yet another question about militants targeting political workers in Kashmir, Azad said, “ It is very unfortunate that political workers are being targeted by militants and they are being killed even by workers of other political parties.”
“It is happening in Kashmir. It is happening in Kerala and in Rajasthan. So the atmosphere across the country is very bad. It is most unfortunate. I condemn it,” he said.
When asked about the recent torture of Congress worker by militants in Shopian area, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said, “It should not be tolerated. I hope that security forces will be able to apprehend them sooner or later and take them to task.”
On Art of Living Foundation head, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s announcement on meeting leaders of the Hurriyat Conference, Azad said, “I don’t know who has authorised him. There are a number of self-styled men and leaders who are trying to fish into troubled waters.”
On Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s initiative to resolve the Ram Janambhoomi dispute in Ayodhya, Azad said, “Since the case has been before the Supreme Court, let the Supreme Court decide. Whatever the court decides that will be binding on each and every member of the society.”
“I don’t think that any other organisation or individual can decide and how far that decision will be acceptable to various people of different religions and faith,” Azad maintained.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
