Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 14: Reacting sharply to the comments of Mushtaq Bukhari, Minister of Education, wherein he blamed the Army for ‘meddling’ in the affairs of the State, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has advised the Minister to be pragmatic and accept the reality rather than locking horns with the Chief of Army Staff.
In a statement issued here, today, Brig Anil Gupta, State spokesperson of the Party has stated that the statement of the Army Chief should be viewed positively rather than turning it into a political issue since his statement is based on his vast experience of service in the Valley as well as through his interactions with students at various levels. Army Chief in his statement has warned about the misuse of social media, Government schools, mosques and Madrasas in spreading “disinformation campaign resulting in radicalisation”, he added.
“Even, the Chief Minister has voiced her concern over radicalisation and indoctrination of youths in her recent speech on the floor of the Assembly while replying to the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address. She had also referred to ‘glorification of gun’ on the social media as a matter of concern,” stated Brig Gupta.
The Army is an important stake holder in the restoration of peace and normalcy in the State. The Chief is well within his rights and democratic mandate to voice concern against issues which affect national integration and act contradictory to the achievement of the desired goal of long lasting peace and normalcy. There is no denying the fact that the youth in the far flung areas is being radicalised and taught that the J&K State and India are two distinct identities rather than being one. It is a matter of worry not only for the State but the entire nation more so for those who are the custodians of nation’s integrity read the statement.
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