New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday (June 28) accused the Congress of terrorism in Kashmir and said that they were responsible for the state's current situation, by alleging that former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's decisions were behind India losing one-third of its territory to Pakistan.

He was speaking at a Lok Sabha session on the resolution to extend President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir for another six months from July 3.

Shah alleged that the policies of the previous Congress governments widened the wedge between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country.

He said his government is making efforts to bridge this gap and remove terrorism from its roots and restore democracy in the state.

The House passed by voice vote the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, to replace an ordinance issued by the previous government, extending President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir, amidst opposition from the Congress and few other parties.

The Lok Sabha also cleared the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2019, to replace an ordinance issued by the previous government.

He told the House that elections in the state would be held in a free, fair and democratic manner once the Election Commission announces the schedule.

Responding to a question, the Minister said that the Assembly elections could not be held along with the Lok Sabha elections in the state as a large number of security personnel were required for the purpose.

Shah said Article 370 of the Constitution which extends special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is "temporary in nature" and "not permanent".

In his maiden speech as Home minister in the lower house, Shah launched a blistering attack on the Congress alleging that it made the maximum use of Article 356 of the Constitution to dismiss elected governments in various states in the past.

"Today, one-third of Kashmir is not with us. Who announced ceasefire when Pakistan encroached in Kashmir after independence and occupied one-third of its territory? Jawaharlal Nehru announced ceasefire and Pakistan took away that part of Kashmir," he said alleging that Nehru did not take the then Home minister and deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel into confidence.

(With inputs from PTI)