New Delhi: The government was non-committal in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday on its stand on Article 370 that grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir and Article 35A, granting rights to the state’s permanent residents.
In a written reply to the question on the government’s viewpoint on them by Chhaya Verma, Sukhram Singh Yadav and Vishambhar Prasad Nishad, Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy, limited his reply to state that Article 370 is part of the Constitution of India as temporary provisions and Article 35A are contained in the President’s order of 1954 under Article 370.
The government is shying away from the ruling BJP’s stand in its poll manifesto titled "Sankalp Patra" that reiterates the long-standing resolve for abrogation of Article 370 and annulling of Article 35A since it is discriminatory against non-permanent residents and as such an obstacle in the development of the state.
On the question of controlling terrorism in the state, the minister said: "The government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism. Effective response is given by the security forces to counter terrorist activities in the state of Jammu and Kashmir."