Press Statement issued by BJP National President, Shri Rajnath Singh

The BJP is deeply concerned that the Prime Minister instead of dismissing outright the idea of self rule and autonomy has sought to evolve a common understanding on these in the meeting on Jammu and Kashmir held yesterday. The BJP firmly believes that entertaining any idea of autonomy and self rule would encourage secession and separation. We need not forget that Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India. Decentralization of power in favour of States for faster decision and quicker delivery is completely different, which need not be confused with autonomy and self rule. It is indeed unfortunate that an ally of Congress, PDP has raised the issue of self rule.

The BJP is clearly of the view that the conference on Jammu & Kashmir was hurriedly called without any preparation or home work which led unwittingly to Kashmir becoming unnecessarily an issue of international importance, few days before the visit of President Bush which Pakistan wanted too. This is a great strategic blunder. Therefore, instead of internationalizing the burning issue of terror and cross border terrorism the Govt. of Dr. Manmohan Singh has made Kashmir an issue of critical importance which has serious long term implications for national integrity. The BJP would never support any effort which seeks to weaken the complete integration of Jammu & Kashmir with India.