Kashmir doesn't need autonomy, says VHP

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks on possible autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday came under sharp criticism from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

"There is no necessity for autonomous status to Kashmir. People who talk about it (autonomy) should understand that Kashmir has already been merged with India and Article 370 should be abrogated," VHP international president Ashok Singhal told mediapersons in Hyderabad.

Commenting further on the issue, Singhal alleged that, "Jawaharlal Nehru also committed the same mistake. Because of him we had to give up Manas Sarovar."

The PM had on Tuesday said the Centre was willing to consider autonomy for the state within the ambit of the Constitution to deal with the current unrest in Kashmir.

Singhal claimed that four lakh Hindus had to flee from Kashmir and demanded that Indian army should be further strengthened to check infiltration.

The VHP leader was in Hyderabad to address a meeting organised by 'Hanuman Shakti Jagaran Samithi'. Replying to a query on Ram janmabhoomi issue, Singhal said late prime minister P V Narasimha Rao's acts helped to erect a makeshift Ram temple at the disputed area.

"I don't hesitate to say that Narasimaha Rao played a vital role in the construction of the temple. He may be defamed by people. But his role cannot be ignored," Singhal said refusing to elaborate further.

He requested all political parties cutting across ideologies to support the construction of the temple at the Ram janmabhoomi site.