During a clubhouse chat with Pakistani-origin journalist, Congress leaders Digvijay Singh has given a statement regarding Kashmir. The clubhouse chat was leaked after which the matter has become controversial.
In his conversation with the journalist, Digvijay Singh hinted at reversing the decision taken Modi government to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the conversation, Pakistani journalist, Shahzeb Jillani who is currently residing in Germany has alleged that the freedom of the press in Indian has shrunk and that the revocation of Article 370 has strained the relationship between India and Pakistan. He claimed that he was shocked at the changing landscape of politics and Indian society under the Modi regime.
He also said that it is only in the last couple of months that he can notice how the media is speaking up against the Narendra Modi government.
During the conversation, Jillani asked Digvijay Singh, “If and when this government goes and India does get rid of PM Modi, what will be the way forward on Kashmir? I know it is on the margins because of what is going on in India right now. But this is an issue that has existed between the two countries for so long.”
To his question, Digvijay replied “I sincerely believe what is dangerous to the society is the religious fundamentalism, be it the Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs or whatever. Religious fundamentalism leads to hatred and hatred leads to violence...”
“Therefore I think malice, disease and the virus are religious fundamentalism. Every society/ religious group has to realize that everyone has the right to follow their tradition/faith. No one has the right to impose his faith/ feelings/ religion on anyone else,” he added.
He further alleged, “Democracy was not there in Kashmir when they revoked Article 370. Humanity was not there because they put everyone behind bars. And Kashmiriyat is something that is fundamental to secularism. Because in a Muslim-majority state, there was a Hindu King.”
“Both worked together. In fact, the reservation in Kashmir was given to Kashmiri Pandits in government services. Therefore, revoking Article 370 and reducing the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir is an extremely sad decision. We will certainly have to relook at this issue,” the Congress leader concluded.
On 5th August 2019, the Modi government took the decision to fully integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India by revoking the draconian provisions of the article.