Bhushan tries to distance himself from Kashmir referendum remark

Under fire for his remarks on army deployment in Jammu and Kashmir, Aam Aadmi Party leader Prashant Bhushan on Monday sought to wriggle out by saying any reference to referendum should not misconstrue to mean plebiscite on Kashmir's relationship with India.

In a "clarification" statement issued by the party on behalf of Bhushan stated "the AAP is of view that Kashmir is an integral part of India. Needless to say, I share this view.

"Any reference to referendum should not misconstrue to mean plebiscite on Kashmir's relationship with India." In his interview to a television channel, Bhushan had said.

it was his personal view that deployment of the armed forces in huge number within Kashmir, not for external defence or to prevent infiltration but for security of Kashmir, should not be done without consent of people of Kashmir.

In his statement, Bhushan said although it was upon the government to deploy forces anywhere in the country this should be done by taking people's view in consideration and this was his view of participatory governance and Swaraj.

"It is the prerogative of the state to deploy security forces, including armed forces for any stretch to internal and external security. This prerogative must be exercised in the best interest of the people, and as far as possible, with their consent," he said.