Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 29: Aam Aadmi Party, for the first time, broke its silence over the political problem in Kashmir. Party leader Yogendra Yadav, during an election rally in central Kashmir's Budgam district, said that AAP supported granting autonomy not only to Kashmir but also to any other state. Yadav, asserting that any third party interference was not required, claimed, "Solution to Kashmir lies within the Indian constitution." AAP has fielded a well-known RTI activist Raja Muzaffar for the Srinagar parliament seat, who will fight against National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party's Tariq Hameed Karra. Yadav explained that every state must have the right to draft its own policies in order to meet the required needs. he said autonomy was necessary for the development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir and even other states. Furthermore, mentioning the Article 370, Yadav said, "AAP believes in Swaraj. In Swaraj, every village, district, state should have the power to decide for its betterment. Article 370 is a part of Swaraj." Stressing on the importance of following an honest approach to solve problems of the region, Yadav said that people of the region must be heard. He said it was a democratic and appropriate to take into consideration the views and demands of the people of Kashmir before any decision is taken. He also urged the people to vote religiously, even if they chose the NOTA option. He also attacked other political parties, without naming any, over the lack of development in the valley. On the subject of recent bomb blasts, Yadav noted speculations that other "mainstream parties" were involved in the blasts.He assured, "AAP is here to address grievances of people that have gone unheard so far." Talking on the issue of militarization, Yadav said it was sign of weakness as militarization must remain confined for disputes with other countries. He said military presence in the state should be only as much as that in Punjab or any other state of India.
"In real democracy, there is no need of military strength. It is used for external threats and it should remain confined to it," he said.
Although Yadav's comments did not clearly reveal AAP's stand on Kashmir issue, this is the first time that any party leader spoken on the matter. Until now the AAP had been skirting and steering clear of the controversy over Kashmir. |
