Congress on Saturday said the majority of the people of Jammu & Kashmir want retention of the Article 35-A.Article 35-A is not the issue of any region or religion as majority of the people of three regions – Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh – want the retention of the special status of the state, which was first enacted by Maharaja Hari Singh to safeguard the interests of people, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said while briefing media persons. Azad who arrived here on Saturday took stock of the prevailing situation along the J&K borers and LoC with senior State Congress leaders. He was briefed by the Congress leaders about the ground situation in view of intense shelling from across the border particularly in Poonch, Rajouri, Nowshera.He expressed serious concern over the situation along the LoC & borders and expressed shock over the loss of lives and property of civilian and army personnel.A team of party leaders shall visit the affected areas to meet the family members of those killed in Mendhar area of Poonch ditrict and take stock of the measures being taken to help the affected people, he said.“Congress party is behind the forces of the country to face the challenge of militancy and all peace loving people must extend full support and cooperation to the security forces and government to end militancy, as peace and harmony is paramount for the all round development, growth and progress of the state, which has suffered a lot and lagged behind in many ways due to the ongoing disturbed conditions for the last three decades,” he added.Asserting that army and security forces do not belong to any party or community but to the nation, the Congress leader said the achievements of forces were the achievements of the entire nation.
“Any attempt to politicize their achievements is unfortunate,” he said.G N Azad expressed joy and happiness over the safe return of Wing Commander Abhinadan.He refused to be dragged into any question over the politicization of the issues and said Congress party had cancelled all political functions in the country for around a week to mourn the killing of CRPF personnel in the Pulwama attack.“Unfortunately, the ruling party did not do this and continued with their scheduled political functions during the period,” he said. (GNS)