Amarinder takes on Sidhu’s advisors over ‘anti-national’ remarks; potential to disturb India’s peace

Chandigarh, Aug 22 (UNI) Taking strong exception to the recent statements of two of Navjot Sidhu’s advisors on sensitive national issues like Kashmir and Pakistan, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Sunday warned against such atrocious and ill-conceived comments that were potentially dangerous to the peace and stability of the state and the country.

Capt Amarinder urged Sidhu’s advisors to stick to giving advice to the PPCC president and not speak on matters of which they clearly had little or no knowledge, and had no understanding of the implications of their comments.

The Chief Minister was reacting to reported remarks of Dr Pyare Lal Garg questioning his (Capt Amarinder’s) criticism of Pakistan, as well as the earlier controversial statement of Malwinder Singh Mali on Kashmir. Both of them were recently appointed by Sidhu as his advisors.

Capt Amarinder expressed shock at the extraordinary statements of Mali and Garg, which he said were totally misplaced and antagonistic to the stated position of India and the Congress on Pakistan and Kashmir. He urged the Punjab Congress president to rein in his advisors before they end up doing more damage to India’s interests.

“Kashmir was and is an inalienable part of India,” asserted he, adding that with his proclamation to the contrary, Mali had effectively and inexplicably toed Islamabad’s line. “This is totally anti-national,” he said, also slamming Mali for failing to withdraw his statement despite the widespread condemnation it had evoked not only from other parties but also from within the Congress.