Cong criticises US statement on 'Indian-administered Kashmir'

 The Congress on Wednesday attacked the government for not taking on the US for “Indian-administered Kashmir” remark in an order on Syed Salahuddin, saying it is compromising national security and sovereignty.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad, questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue as Modi met President Donald Trump in the US.

“It is shocking that the US government order on Syed Salahuddin refers to Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. This is a compromise with India’s national security and sovereignty. Why has the prime minister not protested despite being on the US soil,” said Azad.

While designating Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT), the US State Department said the militant group had claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which injured 17 people.

“Why are the external, defence and home ministers keeping mum? Is it not a sellout of national interest,” Azad said and demanded a response from the prime minister.

For Modi, this could be a subject of political expediency to keep silent, but the Congress will not keep quiet, Azad said.

He said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so, though it may be a subject of debate for Modi and his party.
Former home minister P Chidambaram also questioned the government on the issue.