NEW DELHI: India on March 1 made it clear that it would resist with all its powers at its command any attempt to secede Jammu and Kashmir from India or any effort to encourage such a game plan.

This was made clear by the Home Minister S.B.Chavan while referring {0 recent statements by the United States President Bill Clinton

The government feels confident to face the situation boldly Chavan said while replying to a discussion on seeking extension of President’s Rule for another six months in Jammu and Kashmir. The House later approved the extension by a voice Vole

Categorically asserting that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India the home minister described as unfortunate. President Clinton’s recent remarks about Kashmir being a disputed territory and not recognizing state accession to India.

The home minister said visiting US senators with whom he had held detailed discussions had told him that President Clinton’s remark should not be taken seriously as they were not part of the United States policy Chavan however said I cannot believe that the US President was not properly briefed and that this was an aberration.

Referring to recent statements made by former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah on giving pre-1953 status to the people of the state in Geneva the home minister said this did not represent the views of the government and according to his information Abdullah had made this remarks in a press conference and these were his (Abdulla’s) personal views.

Chavan also ruled out unveiling any political or economic package for the terrorist hit state as demanded by some political parties and groups Such a package is not necessary the home minister said and cited the example of Punjab where also such similar economic package had been demanded and government had not acceded to it.

However the minister said in the case of Jammu and Kashmir the government knew it would have to be slightly more liberal.

He said government was making strenuous efforts to reactivate political activity in the state asserting that government was committed to holding free and fair elections. He said the government would support any popularly elected government formed there after the elections.

Chavan said simultaneously the pressure on terrorists would be kept on relentlessly.

Article extracted from this publication >> March 4, 1994