J-K elections: Govt gets it from friends and foes

‘‘Don’t hand over India’s Pakistan policy to London or USA,’’ said Manmohan Singh, Congress, referring to US Secretary of State Colin Powell’s recent remarks in India. The members were discussing the J-K situation in the light of the July 12 Qasim Nagar massacre by suspected militants.

Singh said the BJP and National Conference had diverse stands on autonomy, yet the two parties were talking. Singh wanted the government to take the initiative without foreign interference to improve relations with Pakistan and wanted India to review its decision to recall its High Commissioner from Islamabad. He suggested the Director General of Military Operations of both countries meet to reduce border tension.

BJP for the first time divulged what had prompted the RSS to seek trifurcation of J-K. BJP member T.N. Chaturvedi said the RSS demand was a sequel to the NC government’s demand for greater political autonomy for the state.

Former law minister Ram Jethmalani was the lone voice in favour of Powell’s proposal on observers. He said, ‘‘Even India keeps telling the US to apply sanctions on Pakistan or pressurise it to stop cross-border terrorism. The US has never told us we are interfering in its internal affairs by commenting on its foreign policy.’’

TDP’s R. Ramchandhrahia said the EC was competent enough to conduct free polls in Kashmir and asked the Government to grant it full autonomy.

Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Nirupam asked: ‘‘Has the UK ever asked for India’s opinion on Ireland?’’