By IANS,
New Delhi : Keeping up its attack on Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over his remarks that the state had acceded to India and not merged, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Friday termed his comments “laughable” and accused him of trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue.
Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi said here that various princely states had acceded to India and had not merged and Jammu and Kashmir was no exception.
“His comments are laughable. Various princely states joined India under the Instrument of Accession. There was no instrument of merger,” Joshi said.
He said the Indian Constitution clearly states that Jammu and Kashmir is and shall be an integral part of India.
Terming Abdullah’s remarks as “irresponsible”, Joshi said it gives rise to several apprehensions and amounts to backing the separatists.
Referring to the chief minister’s remarks on Kashmir being an issue between two neighbours, he said the internal situation in the state was not a matter to be discussed with the neighbour.
“He (Abdullah) is trying to internationalise the issue. He is trying to involve Pakistan where it is not required,” Joshi said, adding that the only issue to be discussed with Pakistan was about its illegal occupation of territory that belongs to India.
He said the Kashmir issue was related to India’s security and the country will not accept anyone working against the country’s interests.
Asked if he was demanding Abdullah’s resignation, Joshi said he was warning him for the present.