Press
Briefing Wednesday, 22nd September 2010
Shri
Abhishek Singhvi addressed the media today.
The Congress Party lauds the initiative taken by the
Congress-led UPA Government in respect of Jammu &
Kashmir. It is important to treat it as a process and
not as a destination. It reflects the bonafides of the
Government to see a genuine consensual approach in the
national interest to a vital issue. The whole idea is to
minimize or avoid as far as possible adversarial
postures – not only within the J&K but also within the
political process in other parts of India. It is no mean
achievement that a conscious concrete initiative has
been taken with every point of view of political
spectrum having been brought on board. It is not being
frequently done on J&K issues; it is a singular
achievement to get it going. Obviously there can be no
advance guarantees. There are no magic solutions but the
spirit as much as the letter of the initiative has to be
noted and if the basic guiding polestar of constructive
engagement both within the parties in the Indian
political process and parties within the exclusive J&K
process. If that approach remains constructive
engagement, then we can reasonably hope and trust that
things will happen in national interest.
On a question of critical analysis of J&K situation in
relation to the all-party delegation visiting J&K and
whether the AICC endorses the revocation of AFSPA, Shri
Singhvi said you should be clear first of all that
nobody has opposed the demand for autonomy. Yes, but
different definitions, boundaries and different content
of autonomy is on the table from different perspectives.
Each Regional and several national formations are
entitled to and are giving their views and this is the
most important part of this process. It is completely
wrong for me or you to jump to pre-stated conclusions
and critical stands which seek to decide before a
decision. That is precisely what this initiative is
trying to avoid for the time being. Views much more
disagreeable and much more extreme have necessarily to
come, to be heard or to be understood. It does not mean
the Government of India is accepting those views. This
is an extremely delicate issue where we have to hasten
slowly. We are doing it in that spirit.
On the question of reaction of the Congress Party on the
statement of Shri Harish Khare, PM’s Media Adviser
stating that the Congress is a status-quoist party, Shri
Singhvi said that you have heard the official Congress
response less than 24 hours ago. Let me make it clear
that in view of the clarification given, the Congress
Party has nothing further to say and treats the matter
as closed.
On the question of the reaction of the Congress Party
over the successful conduct of the Commonwealth Games in
view of the recent incident of collapse of foot
over-bridge, Shri Singhvi said there is no doubt that
all of us - civil society and political process - is
deeply concerned. It is national honour, pride and
national prestige at stake. Please do not think that
nobody is taking it seriously. Every possible step will
be taken to ensure that we come up with flying colours
in this test of India’s ability to hold an outstanding
game. It is unfortunate that these incidents are
happening. But today we have to look forward in ensuring
that every lacuna is plugged.
In reply to a similar question related to the conduct of
CWG Games and the stand of the Congress Party, Shri
Singhvi said that every human life is precious and we
are treating it very seriously. Please do not
misunderstand that the degree of seriousness is less. We
are going to take every possible step to fix the blame
at every level but the process of fixing blame has to
proceed parallelly, process of holding an outstanding
game by tightening our belts has to happen now. We have
no doubt that every stakeholder is moving towards that
direction to ensure that within few days an outstanding
set of games is given. Shri Singhvi requested the media
to reserve their comments till the games are held.
On a security related question that a reporter has taken
a suit case full of explosives to the main game venue,
Shri Singhvi said that if there is a security lapse, it
is very serious. I do not know the facts but if those
facts are found to be correct, then it is a complete
wake-up call and it is a very serious issue and I have
no doubt that every authority is taking it very
seriously. It has to be a collective effort. If this is
true, loophole will be plugged, action will be taken and
repetition will be completely precluded as far as
humanly possible.
On the question of parties trying to get postpone the
verdict on Ayodhya case on 24th September, Shri Singhvi
said the stand of the Congress Party on this issue has
been clear that in an ideal situation this was an issue
which ought to have been settled amicably by discussion
and exchanged between different groups and
representatives. Only because that ideal situation does
not arise, then an adjudicated settlement has to happen.
Naturally the decision of the High Court is binding, is
respected and is obeyed in letter and spirit by the
parties who are part of this process.
Tom Vadakkan
Secretary, AICC
