Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi on Saturday supported Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti's remark denying the idea of revoking the state's special status granted as per Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.
"I support the statement made by Mehbooba ji. No attempts should be made to dilute Article 370 otherwise the country would face problems," Tyagi told ANI.
Earlier in the day, saddened by the portrayal of Kashmir and India as separate identities by the media, Mufti highlighted that the country is being misrepresented, adding that the society should be more welcoming to the idea of Kashmir and its natives.
"Kashmir is a mini India within India. We are a diverse state with all kinds of multi-diversity of religion and everything. Opposing religious divide, the state had aligned to a more secular and accommodative India where Hindus and Muslims pray together at a shrine and statues of Hindu gods are being made by Muslim artisans," she said, urging that the sentiment of 'azadi' needs to be replaced with a better idea.
Furthermore, Mufti while backing the people of her state vehemently denied the idea of revoking the state's special status granted as per Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, and said the flag and the special status were a crucial element of preserving the Valley's culture and heritage.
Meanwhile, Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh has criticized Mufti's remark on the Indian flag calling it ridiculous and categorically stated that the flag will fly high in the Valley as much as it does in any other state.
Speaking to ANI, Singh said, "This is the most shocking and ridiculous statement which Mufti has made. Tricolour is sacrosanct to us. It will fly high in Jammu and Kashmir as much as it does in any other state of the Indian Union. Being in power does not make one misuse it!".
Yesterday, Mehbooba warned that any change in Article 35(A) of the Constitution, which gives a special state provision to Jammu and Kashmir and is being debated in the Supreme Court would not be in favour of the people living in the Valley and would invite repercussions.
Article 35(A) of the Constitution empowers the state legislature to define permanent residents and accord special rights and privileges to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
"Any tempering with Article 35(A) won't be acceptable. I won't hesitate in saying that nobody will even carry the corpse of the National Flag in Kashmir, if it happens. Let me make it very clear," she said.
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