Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has attributed the sufferings of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to two major blunders committed by India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. In a speech in the Lok Sabha, Shah accused Nehru of declaring a ceasefire without winning the entire Kashmir region and taking the issue to the United Nations.
Shah asserted that if Nehru had not made these decisions, a significant portion of Kashmir would not have been ceded to Pakistan, and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would have remained part of India. He argued that the ceasefire allowed Pakistan to retain control of PoK and that taking the matter to the UN further complicated the issue.
Shah’s remarks sparked a protest from the opposition benches, leading to a brief walkout. However, they returned later, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened to clarify that Shah’s statements were not intended to insult Nehru but rather to provide historical context.
Shah also criticized Nehru’s decision to refer the Kashmir issue to the UN under Article 35 of the UN Charter, suggesting that it should have been taken up under Article 51, which deals with the right of self-defense. He maintained that the issue should not have been referred to the UN at all.
Shah further quoted Nehru as acknowledging that the ceasefire was a mistake. Shah, however, went a step further, labeling it a blunder that resulted in the loss of a substantial amount of Indian territory.
Addressing the abrogation of Article 370, Shah asserted that it was a necessary step as it was a temporary provision that had outlived its purpose. He accused the opposition of lacking the courage to abrogate Article 370, something that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had done boldly.
Shah highlighted the key provisions of the two bills on Jammu and Kashmir, which include nominating two Kashmiri Migrant community members, including a woman, to the assembly. Additionally, one seat in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly will be reserved for people displaced from PoK.
Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He outlined a three-year plan to achieve zero terror incidents in the region, aiming for its success by 2026. He expressed confidence that the Modi government would be reelected in 2024 and that by 2026, Jammu and Kashmir would be free from terrorism.
Shah concluded by emphasizing that the two bills would provide justice to those who have been deprived of their rights for the past 70 years and that reservation for displaced people would give them a voice in the legislature. He also criticized the Congress for its handling of backward classes, alleging that it has hindered their progress. He contrasted this with Prime Minister Modi, who, despite being born into a poor family, rose to become the prime minister and understands the struggles of backward classes and the poor.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill were passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
