Congressman calls for 'plebiscite' in Indian Kashmir

In Kashmir today, there is a need for 'rai shumari,' Jyotiraditya Scindia says while addressing Indian parliament

Indian Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday that there should be a plebiscite in Kashmir, before refuting his statement and clarifying he actually meant dialogue and not referendum to be carried out in the valley.

In worst violence in the held territory in decades, scores of protesters were shot dead after the killing of a popular rebel leader Burhan Wani at the hands of Indian forces.

“In Kashmir today, there is a need for rai shumari [plebiscite], Scindia said while addressing the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian parliament).”

The congressman, however, denied his statement hours later, saying, “I have never said there should be plebiscite. I have said there should be dialogue.”

My mistake, was given wrong Urdu word for dialogue, & got misconstrued...never meant Plebiscite at all, for #Kashmir. Read my speech fully

— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) July 20, 2016

Pointing out that the situation in the valley had deteriorated, Scindia said, “PDP-BJP [Peoples Democratic Party- Bharatiya Janata Party] government has shed all the principles. Administration is divided and the government, which should support people, is using weapons against them.”

“The wounds there can be healed only through humanity,” Scindia stressed.

Highlighting that Kashmir as “an important part of the heart of every Indian”, the congressman said, “but today that crown is being insulted. This I feel is irresponsible.”

The congressman went on to add that the PDP-BJP government had “insulted” the “crown” of India.

“There is a need to create an environment of peace and tranquility; growth and development,” Scindia said.

The article first appeared on The Indian Express