Himachal Chief Minister Jairam Thakur termed the decision to revoke provisions of Article 370, giving Jammu and Kashmir a special status, a "historic step" and congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
Thakur said Shah will be remembered as the "Iron Man" after Sardar Vallabhai Patel, who was known for his efforts to unite India.
Talking to reporters here, Thakur said this step will strengthen the emotional bond of Jammu and Kashmir with the entire country.
He said that countless efforts were made in the past in terms of dialogue and through political parties to find a solution to the Kashmir issue, but no major breakthrough could be achieved so far.
The chief minister said the stance of the BJP on this issue was very clear since beginning and 'Do Vidhan, Do Samvidhan, Do Nishan' (two laws, two Constitutions and two flags) was not acceptable to the party.
Hence this step is very appropriate in the country's interest and to strengthen unity and integrity of the country, he said.
Thakur said the entire country is felicitating the national leadership for this great decision which will strengthen the nation as one entity. He congratulated the prime minister and home minister for taking the decision.