BJP demands withdrawal of ''special status'' to J

Bangalore, Aug 29 (UNI) Alleging that the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir were using Article 370 of the Constitution as a ''shield'' to carry out their separatist activities, BJP vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today demanded that all political parties shauld rethink on supporting the special status conferred on the ''trouble-torn state''.

Addressing newspersons here, Mr Naqvi said the Congress and its allies, which have adopted a ''soft approach'' towards terrorists and their activities, should be blamed for the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Naqvi said Article 370 had been working like a ''speedbreaker'' and become the ''main hurdle'' in ushering in peace and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir.

Describing the Amarnath land issue as the living example of the Congress' ''mishandling'' of the volatile situation in the state, he said the separatists were openly demanding 'freedom'.

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