Press
Briefing Wednesday, 7th July 2010
Smt.
Jayanthi Natarajan addressed the media today.
Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said that we want to express
concern over situation in Jammu & Kashmir and the fact
that elements from across the border - separatist
elements inimical to the unity of our country - are
trying to create tension and violence in the valley. We
are very confident that the people of Jammu & Kashmir
will not fall prey to these designs of forces which are
against the country. The Central & State Governments are
seized of the matter and we are very confident that they
will be able to restore law and order and peace at the
earliest possible time. At this time, it is the duty of
all political parties in the State to cooperate with the
efforts of Government to restore peace and ensure that
normalcy returns as soon as possible.
On the question of deployment of army in the valley,
Smt. Natarajan said that a decision will be taken in the
Cabinet Committee on Security. They will discuss all the
issues and whatever is in the benefit of the State and
the country will be taken.
Smt. Natarajan further said that this is the situation
where trouble’ is fostered by separatists and the
elements across the border. This has been an on-going
situation where these elements inimical to India’s
interest are always trying to create trouble. We will
resist this with all the force at our command and their
efforts will not succeed.
On the question whether the alliance with National
Conference has proved disastrous for the Congress Party
in the State of J&K, Smt. Natarajan said that I do not
accept that point of view. It is not correct to say that
whenever the Congress Party has allied with the National
Conference it has ever proved disastrous. The Congress
Party, she said, has always worked for the best interest
of the State of J&K and/or any other State where we are
in Government.
On the question of difference between Karnataka and
Maharashtra over Belgaum, Smt. Natarajan said that the
matter is pending in the Court. The Congress Party will
not offer any comment.
On a related question over filing of an affidavit by the
Central Government in the Court, Smt. Natarajan said
that she is not aware of what has been mentioned in the
affidavit but since the matter is already in the Court,
certainly you will appreciate that the people of
Karnataka and Maharashtra will have different views in
the matter. We will wait for the orders of the Court. I
am speaking for the Congress Party and not for the
Central Government.
On a related question over the situation in J&K over the
stone throwing and stone pelting, is it a right decision
to deploy Army there, Smt. Natarajan said that we are
always for a political solution. We are always on the
parallel track of solving all issues politically and
through talks and as far as I am aware, I am not in a
position to comment upon the exact position of the Army
but from whatever reports I have seen so far the Army is
still on the periphery. However, whatever decision is
taken in this matter in view of the sensitive nature of
the matter whatever decision is taken by the Cabinet
Committee on Security and after that whatever action is
taken, I am very sure will only lead to the restoration
of the peace. We are trying to bridge the gap every way
and we believe that as far as our party is concerned, we
have put in our best efforts and there is no gap in
communication between people and us.
On the question of relations of NCP, Smt. Natarajan said
that this is entirely matter between the leaders of the
NCP, Prime Minister and the Congress President. I will
not be in a position to comment on it. This is something
that discussion might take place. It will be a matter of
discussion and purely the prerogative of the Prime
Minister and political discussion will definitely
involve the Congress President and the leaders of the
UPA. I am not authorized to comment on it nor do I have
the information.
On the question of possibility of taking any action by
the Congress Party against Shri Sajjan Kumar in view of
his being charged in the Court, Smt. Natarajan said that
he was denied ticket by the Congress Party during the
last Lok Sabha elections. Since the matter is pending in
the Court, we will wait for the verdict of the Court.
On the question of defiance of the orders of the High
command by Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh, Smt.
Natarajan said that we are deeply concerned about J&K
and economy at the same time. This is an issue of one
MP. He is a Member of our Party and the General
Secretary In-charge of Andhra Pradesh is already aware
and is seized of the matter and I am sure Hon’ble’ MP
knows what the party line is. We are not worried. Smt.
Natarajan said that she is not aware of possibility of
any action against Jagan Mohan.
On the question of the statements of S/Shri Kamal Nath
and Jai Ram Ramesh, Smt. Natarajan said they are talking
of their own departments and is championing their cause.
It is a sign of healthy democracy. This is a matter on
which the Congress President alone can comment. I have
absolutely no input in the matter.
Tom Vadakkan
Secretary, AICC
