Cong slams Modi govt over US terming J&K 'Indian-administered'

The Congress party on Tuesday criticised the Centre for not objecting to the phrase "Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir" used by the US government in its order designating Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist, and accused the Modi government of "pseudo nationalism".

"Shocking that the US government order on Syed Salahuddin refers to 'Indian Administered Jammu & Kashmir'. No protest from Modi Sarkar. Complicit sell-out?," Congress spokesperson Randeep S. Surjewala said in a series of tweets. 

"Modiji and BJP drumbeat and preach 'Pseudo Nationalism' everyday. India asks - why have you accepted US phrase of 'Indian Administered Jammu & Kashmir', read another tweet. 

The US government on Monday, just ahead of the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, passed an order proclaiming Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin a Specially Designated Global Terrorist. 

Part of the text cited by Surjewala as the US government Order, read: "Under Salahuddin's tenure as senior HM (Hizbul Mujahideen) leader, HM has claimed responsibility for several attacks, including the April 2014 explosives attack in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, which injured 17 people."

The Congress leader also flayed the government for its "chest-thumping".

"Empty chest thumping, false bravado and captive TV studio warfare by BJP government cannot hide its failures in compromising national security.

"Terrorism should never be politicised and a collective effort is needed to eradicate it, which should be sans partisan considerations," he said. 

He listed previous such labelling of terrorists by the US government during the Congress-led UPA tenure. 

"On Aug 6, 2010, Pakistan based Harakat ul-Jihad-i-Islami (HUJI) was declared a designated terrorist organisation by the US... by UPA's efforts," Surjewala said. 

He mentioned similar designations accorded to terror outfits like Indian Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba after terror attacks on Indian soil in 2011 and 2012. 

"Heavy sanctions" were imposed against Dawood Ibrahim only after a motion by the UPA government, he pointed out.  - IANS