Press Briefing Wednesday, 7th Jul 2010

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan addressed the media today.

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said that we want to express concern over situation in Jammu & Kashmir and the fact that elements from across the border - separatist elements inimical to the unity of our country - are trying to create tension and violence in the valley. We are very confident that the people of Jammu & Kashmir will not fall prey to these designs of forces which are against the country. The Central & State Governments are seized of the matter and we are very confident that they will be able to restore law and order and peace at the earliest possible time. At this time, it is the duty of all political parties in the State to cooperate with the efforts of Government to restore peace and ensure that normalcy returns as soon as possible.

On the question of deployment of army in the valley, Smt. Natarajan said that a decision will be taken in the Cabinet Committee on Security. They will discuss all the issues and whatever is in the benefit of the State and the country will be taken.

Smt. Natarajan further said that this is the situation where trouble' is fostered by separatists and the elements across the border. This has been an on-going situation where these elements inimical to India's interest are always trying to create trouble. We will resist this with all the force at our command and their efforts will not succeed.

On the question whether the alliance with National Conference has proved disastrous for the Congress Party in the State of J&K, Smt. Natarajan said that I do not accept that point of view. It is not correct to say that whenever the Congress Party has allied with the National Conference it has ever proved disastrous. The Congress Party, she said, has always worked for the best interest of the State of J&K and/or any other State where we are in Government.

On the question of difference between Karnataka and Maharashtra over Belgaum, Smt. Natarajan said that the matter is pending in the Court. The Congress Party will not offer any comment.

On a related question over filing of an affidavit by the Central Government in the Court, Smt. Natarajan said that she is not aware of what has been mentioned in the affidavit but since the matter is already in the Court, certainly you will appreciate that the people of Karnataka and Maharashtra will have different views in the matter. We will wait for the orders of the Court. I am speaking for the Congress Party and not for the Central Government.

On a related question over the situation in J&K over the stone throwing and stone pelting, is it a right decision to deploy Army there, Smt. Natarajan said that we are always for a political solution. We are always on the parallel track of solving all issues politically and through talks and as far as I am aware, I am not in a position to comment upon the exact position of the Army but from whatever reports I have seen so far the Army is still on the periphery. However, whatever decision is taken in this matter in view of the sensitive nature of the matter whatever decision is taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security and after that whatever action is taken, I am very sure will only lead to the restoration of the peace. We are trying to bridge the gap every way and we believe that as far as our party is concerned, we have put in our best efforts and there is no gap in communication between people and us.

On the question of relations of NCP, Smt. Natarajan said that this is entirely matter between the leaders of the NCP, Prime Minister and the Congress President. I will not be in a position to comment on it. This is something that discussion might take place. It will be a matter of discussion and purely the prerogative of the Prime Minister and political discussion will definitely involve the Congress President and the leaders of the UPA. I am not authorized to comment on it nor do I have the information.

On the question of possibility of taking any action by the Congress Party against Shri Sajjan Kumar in view of his being charged in the Court, Smt. Natarajan said that he was denied ticket by the Congress Party during the last Lok Sabha elections. Since the matter is pending in the Court, we will wait for the verdict of the Court.

On the question of defiance of the orders of the High command by Jagan Mohan Reddy of Andhra Pradesh, Smt. Natarajan said that we are deeply concerned about J&K and economy at the same time. This is an issue of one MP. He is a Member of our Party  and the General Secretary In-charge of Andhra Pradesh is already aware and is seized of the matter and I am sure Hon'ble' MP knows what the party line is. We are not worried. Smt. Natarajan said that she is not aware of possibility of any action against Jagan Mohan.

On the question of the statements of S/Shri Kamal Nath and Jai Ram Ramesh, Smt. Natarajan said they are talking of their own departments and is championing their cause. It is a sign of healthy democracy.  This is a matter on which the Congress President alone can comment. I have absolutely no input in the matter.

Tom Vadakkan

Secretary, AICC