Date:03/07/2002 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2002/07/03/stories/2002070304200100.htm

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No trifurcation of J&K: Advani

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JULY 2. The Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, today outrightly rejected the demand of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for the division of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the Government would continue to focus on the integration of the entire State and its people with the rest of the country.

``We have time and again made it clear that there was no question of division of Jammu and Kashmir. This has been our stand and there is no change in it,'' he said here.

At its national executive meeting in Kurukshetra this weekend, the RSS adopted a resolution rejecting autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, calling for holding the October Assembly elections under President's rule and demanding a separate State of Jammu and Union Territory status for Ladakh. Asked if the Government was taking any initiative towards holding talks with separatist leaders or outfits in the Kashmir Valley, Mr. Advani said that efforts were on in that direction though he did not name any organisation.

The Jammu and Kashmir Governor, G.C. Saxena, also called on Mr. Advani earlier in the day. The two are learnt to have discussed the law and order situation in the border State and various aspects relating to the coming Assembly polls.

Asked if the infiltration from across the border had stopped, Mr. Advani said the Government had information that it was still going on in fits and starts.

``We are keeping a watch on the situation. Pakistan has given certain commitments before the international community. We are keen on seeing that Pakistan fulfils its promise of stopping infiltration,'' he said.