New Delhi, Feb 18 (UNI) Amid the controversy generated by the statement by party leader and Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu in wake of the February 14 Pulwama attack that the entire nation could not be blamed for acts of some people, the Congress on Monday said that people in public life should keep in view public sentiments while making their statements.

Addressing a press conference here, AICC spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi, replying to a question on the statement by the Sidhu which has evoked criticism from the BJP and the Akali Dal, said,’’one thing is clear that people in public life, while making their statements, should make sure that they do not say anything that is not in sync with public sentiment.’’

Sidhu had courted controversy with his recent comments on the Pulwama incident when he said that the entire nation could not be blamed for acts of a few individuals.

The statement has evoked criticism from the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal who have called for his expulsion from the Congress party.

Mr Singhvi termed the attacks on students of Jammu and Kashmir in different parts of the country as ‘reprehensible’ and ‘unacceptable.’
‘’Jammu & Kashmir is an integral part of India. Neither Pakistan nor any terrorist force by any name can ever undo this reality. The unprovoked attacks on the students of Jammu and Kashmir in different parts of the country are also reprehensible and unacceptable.
Those who are attacking the students are attacking our own citizens. Anyone attempting to question the martyrdom of our armed forces must be dealt strictly in accordance with law and strictly, but singling out J&K students actually only helps the venomous cause of such separatists elements, who are questioning the security and integrity of our country. This must be kept in mind by one and all.’’
UNI AR SHK1930