A leaked document from the purported 115-page Pakistani dossier on Kashmir, to be submitted at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, appeared on some media outlets on Tuesday citing quotes by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and National Conference’s Omar Abdullah on the situation in the Valley.
The document has attributed a quote to former Congress president Rahul Gandhi which reads: “It’s been 20 days since the people of J&K had their freedom and civil liberties curtailed. Leaders of opposition and press got a taste of the draconian administration and brute force unleashed on people of J&K when we tried to visit Srinagar.”
The document also has a quote attributed to Omar Abdullah, which says, “GoI’s unilateral and shocking decision will have far-reaching and dangerous consequences. This is an aggression against Kashmiris. The decision is unilateral, illegal and unconstitutional. A long and tough battle lies ahead. We are ready.”
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was quick to comment on the purported document and lashed out at the Congress leader saying that his statements help Pakistan more than India.
Pakistan had earlier too “dragged” the Congress leader’s name in its petition to the United Nations on Kashmir issue.
Pakistan had taken up the issue of abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution to the UN while quoting Gandhi’s comments to justify its stand.
Thereafter, the Congress slammed Pakistan for “mischievously dragging the name of Rahul Gandhi” in its petition at the UN.
The Congress party further made it clear that Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and shall always remain an integral part of India.
Following this, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at Gandhi saying that the Congress leader’s statement was used by the Pakistan Parliament against India.
Questioning Gandhi’s purpose, Shah asked: “For which country is he speaking? Pakistan is also saying what he is saying. His statements are being used against India. What is his purpose?”
Referring to his tweets on Kashmir, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar had demanded an apology both from Rahul Gandhi and the Congress saying that the party has insulted the country.
Javadekar had also called the Opposition delegation to Kashmir led by Gandhi as “irresponsible”.
Union minister Smriti Irani also slammed Gandhi over his remarks on Jammu and Kashmir, claiming “he cared little for the tricolour and is liked by Pakistan”.