Rijiju: "Thinking of the Congress and Imran Khan is identical"

The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju on Sunday, said that Congress and Pakistan PM Imran Khan are unhappy with the abrogation of Article 370. Explaining the stand of Kashmiris, he said that the people in the valley were happy with the decision. Whereas, the people having a monopoly over businesses like hotel, transport and real estate have their own vested interest. Additionally, he also said that the 'separatists and anti-nationals' were unhappy with the move as well. 

Kiren Rijiju’s statement on Congress and Pak PM 

The Sports Minister, Kiren Rijiju expressing his disarray over how a few people and groups are perceiving the abrogation of Article 370 said that, "What can we do if the thinking of the Congress and Imran Khan is identical." Speaking about the time when Article 370 was introduced, he said that Jawaharlal Nehru made the mistake of granting special status to Jammu and Kashmir, while efforts were made Syama Prasad Mukherjee to eliminate the two-flag and two-laws system. He also reiterated that Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir and Aksai Chin are an integral part of India. 

Read: Amit Shah says "can finally call Kashmir an integral part of India"

Rijiju on facing Pakistan in international sports 

Speaking about the bilateral cricket matches with Pakistan, the minister said it is a sensitive issue and the government will take a call on it. However, he said India will play Pakistan in Olympics as it is bound by rules. Various sports are being aggressively promoted in the country and India's medal tally has been increasing, he added. Talking about the economic slowdown he said, "At present, there are virtually no buyers owing to worldwide economic recession."

Read: Amit Shah: Article 370 decision taken by PM Modi in Aug 5 cabinet meet

Abrogation of Article 370 

The BJP-led government on August 5 abrogated Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, it also bifurcated the state into two union territories - Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Following the abrogation, Section 144 and curfew was imposed in parts of Kashmir, and communication was blacked out citing security concerns. Mainstream political leaders like NC vice president Omar Abdullah, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, Sajad Lone and others were put into preventive detention, meanwhile, NC patron Farooq Abdullah was detained under Public Safety Act. 

(With PTI Inputs)

Read: Amit Shah meets BJP leaders and Ministers to discuss economic slowdown

Read: Farooq Abdullah detained under Jammu and Kashmir's Public Safety Act