Communication blackout in J-K for 40 days not good sign in democracy: Gehlot

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said Kashmir is an integral part of India and the whole country stands united over the issue, but the "communication blackout" in Jammu and Kashmir for 40 days following abrogation of provisions of Article 370 was not a good sign in democracy.

He said India earned global respect because various governments since Independence strengthened democracy.

In the wake of abrogation of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 people there were confined to houses and there was communication blackout for 40 days which is not a good sign in democracy, Gehlot said.

At a function on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, he said it is the sentiment of all Indians that Kashmir is the integral part of the country.

"Narendra Modi could become prime minister because the roots of democracy were strengthen by previous governments. Their role in making the country attain a place where it is standing today should also acknowledged," he said.

The ...