[Reader-list] Territorial integrity is 'non-negotiable': Govt.

[Aditya Raj Kaul]

*Territorial integrity is 'non-negotiable': Govt.*

New Delhi (PTI): Rejecting calls for separation of Jammu and Kashmir, the
government has asserted that the country's territorial integrity is
"non-negotiable" and the borders cannot be "altered or redrawn".

The government also ridiculed the Hurriyat Conference leaders for claiming
to be the representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying it had
no justification as the separatists have never tested their popularity in
elections.

"Any such talk (of secession) is preposterous and in conflict with
Constitution and law of the land," Minister of State for External Affairs
Anand Sharma said here.

"The country's borders cannot be altered, or redrawn and Constitution cannot
be rewritten," he said, adding "territorial integrity is non-negotiable."

His comment came in the backdrop of calls for secession of Jammu and Kashmir
made by separatist leaders as well as a few prominent people like author
Arundhuti Roy.

Sharma said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had maintained that all issues can
be resolved through dialogue.

On whether talks would be held with Hurriyat which is leading a stir in the
valley, the minister said the government is ready to talk to "all those who
are willing and positive."

He lashed out at the Hurriyat, saying "those with separatist agenda cannot
claim to be representatives of people. Those who have never contested
elections, can't claim to represent people."

Sharma also accused BJP of "keeping partisan political agenda above national
interest" and "supporting communal polarisation which is hurtful to the
national interest."

"When we have an unsettled situation, it is expected of all responsible
leaders and mainstream political parties to work together in the interest of
the nation," he said.