Govt not to go against Kashmir special privileges : Rajnath Singh

Singh, who  is on a four-day visit to the state amid a spate of agitation, security force crackdown on separatists and the demand from some corners for abrogation of  Article 35A of the Constitution, which gives special rights to the permanent residents of the state.

“The Government did not initiate anything on this or went to court. I assure the government would never take any step which will hurt the sentiments of people of Jammu and Kashmir,’’ he said while addressing a press conference.

Singhsaid the Kashmir special status is a  “non-issue," and he gives the  assurance as a Home Minister of India.

“I don’t want to comment on who is saying what but I am talking as a leader of the BJP and home minister of India," he said.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdulllah welcomed Singh's statement.

Abdullah tweeted: “This is a very important statement from the Union Home Minister. His assurance will go a long way towards silencing the noises against 35-A.”