Lucknow, August 7: As a major section of the nation continues to celebrate the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu & Kashmir, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Vikram Singh Saini had issued a controversial remark, recommending his partymen to go to the Valley and marry "fair" Kashmiri girls.

Saini, who represents the Khatauli constituency in communally restive Muzaffarpur district, said Muslim workers of the BJP have an excellent opportunity to visit Kashmir and tie the knot with local girls. For Hindus as well, he added, there is the option to buy land and permanently settle in the scenic region. J&K Loses Privileges Under Article 370, Article 35A: What Does it Mean For Kashmiris and Other Indians?

"The workers are very excited and those who are bachelors can get married there. There is no issue now. Earlier, there was lot of atrocities on women. If a woman from Kashmir got married to a man from Uttar Pradesh, her citizenship would be revoked. There was different citizenship for India and Kashmir," Saini was heard as saying Hindi in a clip which has went viral.

Further, he advised the Muslim BJP workers to seize the opportunity and consider travelling to the Valley to marry the local girls. "Muslim workers should celebrate here. Get married there. To a fair Kashmiri girl," he was reported as saying.

On being confronted by The Indian Express over his remark, Saini expressed no remorse, saying that there is nothing illicit in what he has said. "Now anyone can get married to a Kashmiri girl without any issue. That is all I said and it is the truth," he was quoted as saying.

Notably, Article 370 -- which granted J&K special status include the right of "permanent citizenship" -- was revoked through a presidential order on Tuesday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2019 02:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).