Hansraj Gangaram Ahir - File photo
The central government today informed the Parliament that there is currently no proposal to scrap Article 370 which gives special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to a question by BJP MP Ashwini Kumar in Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said “There is currently no such proposal under consideration of the Government.”
Scrapping Article 370 forms part of the BJP’s political manifesto. However, the party, in alliance with the regional PDP, remained silent on the demand in the Agenda of Alliance agreed to in 2015.
In a separate question on statements made by the Centre’s interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma on violence in Jammu and Kashmir, Ahir said Sharma had recently visited border areas in view of recent cease-fire violations and suggested some measures for the local population. These included shifting residents and constructing bunkers.
The question was asked by Congress’ Jyotiraditya Scindia and Gaurav Gogoi.
Ahir said the government was keen to bring peace in the state and was ready to hold dialogue with all sections of society who shun the path of violence.
The government has also continuously encouraged policies to bring youth to the mainstream. These include providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy, he said.
(With agency inputs)
