Party has clearly stated its position through CWC resolution: Congress on 'Clubhouse' row

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera clarified party's stand and said the Congress has clearly stated its position on Jammu and Kashmir in its resolution dated 6 August, 2019.

New Delhi:Hours after senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh on Saturday was heard saying that he will relook over the decision to revoke article 370 if brought to power, the Congress spokesperson clarified party's stand and said the Congress has clearly stated its position on Jammu and Kashmir in its resolution dated 6 August, 2019.

"The Congress party has clearly stated its position on Jammu and Kashmir in its resolution dated August 2019 of the Congress Working Committee (CWC). This is the only official stand of the party and I urge all party leaders to refer to the same," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera on Saturday.

The leaked audio dates back to May 12. In conversation with a Pakistan-based journalist on the Clubhouse app, Congress leader Digvijay said,
"Revoking Article 370 and reducing the state of J&K is an extremely sad decision. We (congress party) will certainly have to relook at this issue."

"Democracy was not there in Kashmir when they revoked Article 370, insaniyat was not there as they had put everyone behind bars. Meanwhile, Kashmiriyat is something that is the fundamental of secularism," he added.

Provision of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, that granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, were revoked on August 5, 2019 by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government.

"The CWC the deplores the unilateral, brazen and totally undemocratic manner in which Article 370 of the Constitution was abrogated and the State of Jammu and Kashmir was dismembered by misinterpreting the provisions of the Constitution," the resolution adopted by the Congress Working Committee stated on 6 August, 20019.

"The Indian National Congress pledges to stand with the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and to fight the BJP and it divisive and diabolical agenda with every power in its hands. We as the people of J&K to maintain peace and calm," the resolution added.

The party resolution further stated that the CWC strongly reaffirmed the consistent and created position of the Indian National Congress that J&K, including the areas under the illegal occupation of Pakistan and the part ceded by it to China, are integral part of the Republic of India.

"The integration of J&K with India is final and irrevocable. CWC firmly asserted that all issues pertaining to J&K are internal matters of India and no outside interference will be tolerated," it added.