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My emphasis is on article 370. The Cabinet talked about devolution of power by quoting NDA manifesto that it is not a matter of autonomy as such; it is a matter of devolution of power. That is what the Cabinet decision rejecting the resolution has said.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): We have not used the word `reject’.

SHRI PURNO A. SANGMA (TURA): Yes, they did not use the word `reject’, but the sum and substance of it is rejection.

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: We have said `we cannot accept it’.

SHRI PURNO A. SANGMA : That is why, I am saying that they have very calculatedly and very wisely spoken about the devolution of power.

SHRI SOMNATH CHATTERJEE : Has he got a copy of that Cabinet decision?

SHRI PURNO A. SANGMA : No. I am talking from the newspaper reports.

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: It has appeared in the Press.

SHRI PURNO A. SANGMA: Yes, it has appeared in the newspapers saying that it is a matter of devolution of power and not merely of autonomy. That is what the sum and substance of the decision.

This is what Sheikh Abdullah said.

That is the apprehension he had expressed, and he has proved to be true today. Today, they are expecting to develop Kashmir in the company of BJP and the RSS, the Sangh Parivar! Sir, look at the reaction of the Government at the Centre. What did the very astute political leader of Shri L.K. Advani’s eminence say? What was his reaction? I believe that he properly said that ‘it is for the Parliament to decide. It is a momentous decision.’ It is for Parliament to decide and not merely discuss away or talk away. He had said something in the newspapers. I have to go by newspaper reports because they are not sending me all their statements to me like they send it to Shri P.A. Sangma! THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): Everyone is citing this. I had gone to Israel and other countries. When I came back I learned about this Resolution. I was talking to the Press in another connection. They asked me about this. Then, I said:

We do not subscribe to the extent of the demand that they have made in their Resolution. We are against going back to the pre-1953 position. I am happy that this has given us an opportunity to discuss the question of Centre-State relations all over the country. Maybe the problems are a little different in other States from the problems of Jammu and Kashmir. We are conceding that article 370 should continue. That gives them a special position. Let there be transparency and let there be sincerity of approach and let it not be only for public consumption. If this Government believes in this, let it undertake a proper study. They used to speak about Sarkaria Commission. What had happened to that? They are not speaking about Sarkaria Commission and its recommendations any more. Even in the Sarkaria Commission Report, there are many grey areas. We are not fully satisfied with that Report. But a beginning can be made. It talks about article 356, devolution of financial resources etc. I am sure every State wants some kind of financial autonomy. If you kindly study the representations of the State Governments to the Planning Commission and the Finance Commission, whether it is BJP Government or Shiv Sena Government or Congress Government or Left Front Government, you will find that their demands are same and even the language is same. These are all very serious issues. I am happy that the House is taking up this issue with all seriousness. I have the privilege of knowing Shri L..K. Advani for the last thirty years. I am sure that an eminent person like Shri L.K. Advani will give proper response to this, not guided by the old RSS link up or the continuing RSS link .… (Interruptions) Shri Advani is not touchy about RSS. Why are you so touchy about RSS?