Jammu, September 2024: In a fiery address to the public, Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized the opposition’s stance on key issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking in Jammu, Shah lashed out at the National Conference (NC), Congress alliance, and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing them of policies that could destabilize the peace in the region.
Shah began by highlighting concerns over the opposition’s alleged intent to release individuals involved in stone-pelting and terrorism. He claimed, “They want to release those who are involved in stone-pelting and terrorism. Their aim is to release them and bring terrorism to our Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri where there is peace. Tell me, will you allow terrorism to come to Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri?” His remarks directly linked the opposition’s actions to a potential resurgence of violence in areas that have seen relative calm in recent years.
He also touched upon the controversial issue of cross-LoC (Line of Control) trade, a policy that had been halted in the past due to security concerns. Shah questioned the motives behind reviving such trade, asking, “They want cross-LoC trade to be resumed. Who will benefit from it?” This statement seems to reflect concerns over the possibility of trade being exploited for funding terror activities or fostering unrest.
In a pointed reference to cultural and religious sensitivities, Shah condemned the opposition’s alleged plans to rename Shankaracharya Hill in Srinagar as Takht-e-Suleman. The hill, named after the revered philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, holds great religious significance for Hindus. The renaming proposal, according to Shah, is seen as an attempt to alter the cultural landscape of the region.
Furthermore, Shah firmly rejected the opposition’s demands for greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the context of the NC-Congress-PDP alliance. He stated, “These 3 families—NC, Congress alliance, and Mehbooba Mufti—say they will give autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir. I want to say that no power can talk about autonomy now.” His comment underscores the central government’s position that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 marked the final step in integrating Jammu and Kashmir fully into India, and there would be no turning back.
Amit Shah’s speech appeared to be aimed at rallying public support for the government’s tough stance on security and territorial integrity, while portraying the opposition as fostering instability. His statements are likely to heighten political tensions in the run-up to future elections in the region, as parties vie for control in a post-Article 370 Jammu and Kashmir.
The home minister’s speech sends a strong message that the central government is unwilling to compromise on national security or autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, and any attempt to reverse these policies will face staunch resistance. As political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, the region remains a focal point for India’s internal and external security policies.
