As Oppn refuses to relent, PM rejects Mufti’s remark

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday disapproved of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s comments giving credit to Pakistan, Hurriyat and militants for smooth conduct of Assembly polls.

As storm over Mufti’s remarks continued with the Opposition stalling the proceedings of Parliament and demanding a clarification from the Prime Minister, Modi told the Rajya Sabha: "If somebody makes such a statement, we can never support it".

In his 70-minute reply to the Motion of Thanks to the President's Address, Modi said the credit for the successful elections goes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “They turned up (to vote) in large numbers with overwhelming courage and pride and put their stamp of approval on what India had been saying all along,” said Modi.

He asserted his government "will move ahead with the policy of 'zero tolerance' towards terrorism” and “all resolutions passed here [in Parliament] will be implemented in letter and spirit.”

In 1994, Parliament adopted an unanimous resolution asserting that entire Jammu and Kashmir was integral part of India and Pakistan must vacate the areas it occupied through aggression. He underlined faith in people of Jammu and Kashmir while asserting his government's commitment to unity and integrity.

On questions by some members whether the BJP will pull out of the coalition government over the issue, Modi said the government will run only on the basis of Common Minimum Programme (CMP). "I want to assure this House and 125 crore people of the country that the government formed in Jammu and Kashmir is based on the Common Minimum Programme and the government will run on its basis," he said

Earlier, the Congress-led Opposition's vehement protests in the Lok Sabha led to two adjournments during the Question Hour. Opposition members belonging to the Trinamool Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, Aam Aadmi Party and the Left too joined hands with the Congress demanding a statement from Modi. A section of the ruling coalition members, particularly Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, was seen thumping his desk as the Opposition demanded a resolution condeming Mufti’s remarks.