Jammu and Kashmir called disputed state because of NC: Union Minister GK Reddy

Jammu, September 20: Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Friday accused the National Conference of earlier imposition of Article 370 of the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir and claimed that the region was being labelled as “disputed” because of political parties in the region.

He also accused the Nepali Commission of playing a key role in the widespread corruption and rise of cross-border terrorism that India is currently fighting.

“Jammu and Kashmir is called a disputed region because of the NC. It was the NC that framed Article 370 and implemented it here,” Reddy told reporters while campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Reasi district in the Union Territory’s assembly elections.

Describing Article 370 as the root cause of various problems in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Minister said: “Article 370 deprives the people of their rights and perpetuates dynastic rule in the region.”

On August 5, 2019, the BJP-led central government abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special rights to Jammu and Kashmir, and divided the state into a union territory.

Criticising the NCP, Reddy said: “If a party like the NCP was not in power, Jammu and Kashmir would have progressed like other states of India.”

He also accused the Nepali Congress of inciting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Reddy claimed that since the abrogation of Article 370, peace has been restored in Jammu and Kashmir and major development initiatives are being taken up.

He appealed to the people to vote for BJP in the ongoing elections to continue the path of peace, progress and prosperity in the region.

Reddy said that terror activities were rampant in the region before the abrogation of Article 370. “But today, most of the terror activities have been eradicated,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of the first assembly election in the Union Territory after abrogation of Article 370, he said, “This is a crucial election. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have a great responsibility. I am sure they will take the right decision after considering all aspects. No one in Jammu and Kashmir wants Article 370 to be reinstated.”