Srinagar ,Published on
Endorsing the statement of Finance Minister, Haseeb A Drabu that Kashmir is not a political issue, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday said that the only issue is to get ‘Pakistan Occupied Kashmir’ back.
BJP General Secretary (organization) Ashok Koul said that there is no problem with what Drabu has said. “Drabu has said that it is not just a political problem only but a social problem as well,” said Kaul.
BJP is in an alliance with the ruling Poeples Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir.
Drabu’s statement which created a political storm, and finally lead to his removal from the cabinet, was widely condemned by the political parties as well as the resistance camp.
Kaul added that BJP believes that there is no problem in Jammu and Kashmir and the only problem is to get ‘POK’ back.
He further stated that BJP has been stating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. “We believe that JK is India’s integral part and the only issue there is get PoK back,” he said.
The recent remarks of finance minister have earned a strong reaction from all political and social quarters.
Speaking at an event themed ‘Kashmir: the way forward’, recently, Drabu asked the people to “introspect” over the nature and origins of the situation in the state and how it can be resolved. “We need to talk to ourselves before we talk to others and this must happen nationally as well,” he said.
“I will not make a sales pitch here nor will I ask you for investments. That will happen. It will be a consequence of something else which I want to speak about today: your interest in Kashmir and its people, and their lives. For, Kashmir is not just a political problem, but a social issue. Our society has been ravaged and we need to address that first. It is in this we seek your help,” he had said.
Drabu concluded the speech saying, “Don’t see Kashmir as a conflict state; it is not. See it as a society in turmoil and transition which is trying to rediscover its moorings. It is in this that interactions such as this one can help. I am very grateful to the PHD chambers for organizing this event and will go a long way in finding the way ahead.”
