Congress' Shatrughan Sinha meets Pakistan President in Lahore, discusses Kashmir
What's the story
In a surprise development, Bollywood actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha met Arif Alvi, the President of Pakistan, in Lahore on Saturday and both of them reportedly discussed Kashmir. Sinha, who is on a personal visit to the neighboring country, expressed concerns over the restrictions imposed in the valley, Alvi said in a tweet. They also spoke about how peace is necessary between India and Pakistan.
Background
Pakistan's keen interest in Kashmir didn't get much attention
Islamabad has been seeing red since August 2019, after India abrogated Article 370, stripping Kashmir of its special status. To ensure the historic move doesn't have a violent fallout, restrictions were imposed in Kashmir. On several global platforms, Pakistan called it a violation of human rights but was snubbed. The US also noted Kashmir was India's internal matter and stayed away from commenting.
Details
Some opposed Centre's move, but no one spoke to Pakistan
Though some of BJP's critics opposed the move, no politician had a word with Pakistani leaders, keeping the matter strictly internal. But Sinha set a new precedent of sorts by "discussing" it with Alvi. As per the statement released by Alvi's office, Sinha endorsed the President's view on Kashmir restrictions. According to PTI, both Sinha and Alvi stressed on the importance of promoting peace.
Visit
Sinha loves how Pakistani fans shower love on him
Earlier, Sinha had said his visit was purely personal and had nothing to do with his political career. He was in Pakistan to attend the wedding of his friend Mian Asad Ahsan's son. About his visit, the 74-year-old said he was touched with the hospitality bestowed on him by his Pakistani fans. Pakistani actress Reema Khan also shared pictures with Sinha.
Twitter Post
Sinha heaped praises on the hosts
guests including the elegant, dignified actress par excellence #MrsReemaKhan, frm Chief Justice, Lahore/Punjab HC Hon’ble #Mohd.YawarAli with his family,
— Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) February 22, 2020
Chrm,Telecom #Brigd.Vaqar his graceful wife, Hon’ble frm Chief Justice SC #AsifSaeedKhosa
old, gold, bold, beautiful
Instagram Post
Reema and Sinha were seen together at the wedding
Aftermath
This visit will give BJP mileage to target Congress
Sinha's tweets about how he had a great time across the border hints he doesn't want the visit to be used in political debates. But it's unlikely, especially since Alvi claimed Sinha spoke about Kashmir. To note, the BJP has several times accused the Congress of being sympathetic towards Pakistan. The grand old party was left embarrassed during Article 370's debate too.
Looking back
Last year, Congress leader wondered how Kashmir is internal issue
While opposing the Bill to bifurcate Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Congress' leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury asked how is Kashmir an internal matter if the United Nations was monitoring it. "We signed the Shimla Agreement and Lahore Declaration was that an internal matter or bilateral," he had asked. His words had left Congress President Sonia Gandhi stunned.
Twitter Post
Congress was clearly not prepared for this blunder
#WATCH Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress, in Lok Sabha: You say that it is an internal matter. But it is being monitored since 1948 by the UN, is that an internal matter? We signed Shimla Agreement Lahore Declaration, what that an internal matter or bilateral? pic.twitter.com/RNyUFTPzca
— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019