Nityanand Rai, the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, said on Tuesday that the abrogation of Article 370 would help eliminate terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. According to Rai, insurgency thrived in Jammu and Kashmir because of the constitutional provisions that granted the state a special status. "We all know that terrorism was thriving in Jammu and Kashmir due to Articles 370 and 35(A). Due to the Modi government's strong resolve, it was in decline. After the abrogation of these articles, terrorism will soon be finished completely," he said. On August 5, the Central government abrogated Article 370, revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

On Abrogation of Article 370

According to Rai, the country's dream of 'Akhand Bharat' (Unified India) has been realized after the abrogation of Article 370. He further added that with the withdrawal of the special status, people of Jammu and Kashmir will get benefits such as reservations. "Only three families were enjoying the funds allocated for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Now this benefit will reach the public," he added. Further, speaking about the Special Investigation Team (SIT) being set up by the Union Home Ministry deciding to reopen seven anti-Sikh riot cases, including one in which Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath was named, Rai said, "The SIT is doing its work. Those who are not guilty, should not be afraid."

Also read: India to smash Pakistan's terror & falsehood campaign at UNHRC session

On economic slowdown 

Speaking about the country's economic slowdown, Rai said, "The country is moving forward for achieving the five trillion dollars economy target. Shortcomings of various sectors are being removed. Steps are being taken to strengthen the economy." Speaking about the declining GDP growth and unemployment issues, the minister said that the unemployment data is wrong. "Infrastructure is improving. Crores of people have got Mudra loans, agriculture sector is growing, production is increasing. Economy is growing stronger, " he added. 

Also read: Article 370: Home Minister attacks Cong, says 'they should be ashamed'

On Pak using Rahul Gandhi's statement in their petition 

Pakistan’s Human Rights minister Shireen Mazari wrote a petition to the UN on the abrogation of Article 370 that revoked special status to Jammu and Kashmir and also over its bifurcation into two union territories - J&K and Ladakh. In the petition, they have quoted Congress President Rahul Gandhi allegedly talking about people dying in Kashmir. Referring to this, Rai said, "The country's security and development should be one's priority. Pakistan has already been exposed on international forums for its lies."

Also read: Article 370, Ram temple to top agenda at RSS meet with affiliates

Also read: European Parliament backs India abrogating Article 370 in Kashmir

(Inputs from PTI)