‘Dynasts trying to create disturbances again’
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Aug 29: Challenging National Conference (NC), Congress and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to an open discussion on terrorism, violence, and public security, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today held these parties responsible for the restive period in the 1990s in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Maintaining that BJP has zero tolerance for terrorism and civilian casualties, the party national general secretary, incharge J&K and Ladakh UTs Tarun Chugh said BJP is ready for open discussion with these parties on terrorism, violence and public security.
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“I challenge the Gandhi-Nehru, Abdullah and Mufti families to an open debate on the state of terrorism, security, and civilian safety during both their tenure and ours, and their misleading claims and conspiracies about Article 370 and 35 A,” Chugh told reporters here.
“We are ready for an open debate anywhere, with a journalist to moderate and a TV channel to broadcast it,” he said, as the party inaugurated its media centre in Jammu for the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory.
Union Minister and election incharge J&K G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, BJP J&K chief, Ravinder Raina, national spokespersons, R P Singh and Shazia Ilmi and former State president, Sat Sharma were present during the inauguration of media war room. Click here to watch video
Chugh asserted there had been a significant decline in terrorism and law and order issues since August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated and the State was carved into two UTs.
“Since August 5, 2019, we have not only neutralised terrorists and reduced terrorism but also drastically decreased civilian and security force casualties, and incidents of violence,” the BJP national general secretary said.
He also shared casualties year-wise that took place under earlier dispensations.
“During their (NC-Congress-PDP) tenure, incidents of civilian casualties averaged 60-70 annually, decreasing to 55 in 2018, 24 in 2023, and further to 14 this year. Terrorist incidents dropped from 228 in 2018 and 46 in 2023 to just 11 this year.
“Encounters reduced from 189 in 2018 to 48 in 2023 and further to 24 this year. Similarly, security force casualties fell from 91 in 2018 to 23 in 2023 and are now at 14. Our efforts continue to safeguard lives and property,” Chugh said.
He also accused the local political families of encouraging stone-pelting in Kashmir under their rule.
“Under their governance, there were approximately 1,328 incidents of stone-pelting annually, reduced to zero in 2023, and none reported this year,” he claimed.
“We have not only reduced terrorism but also shortened the lifespan of terrorists. We have eradicated fake encounters and innocents killings. They must answer for their records. I challenge Abdullah to prepare for this debate. I am ready,” he added.
Chugh also asked the Congress which has pre-poll alliance with NC to clear its stance on release of prisoners and on reinstatement of Article 370 as proposed by the NC in its manifesto.
“Dr Farooq Abdullah and his Srinagar MP talk of re-enacting the 1990 situation and violence in Jammu and Kashmir, which led to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. Does Congress support this? Is this the stance of the NC?” he asked.
“People have not forgotten the turmoil of 1990 under Mufti Sayeed and Farooq Abdullah’s leadership,” he asserted.
The leader also alleged that jailed separatist Yasin Malik received red-carpet treatment under the Congress rule at the Centre and posed with then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. “Terrorists were honoured and emboldened. Does Congress wish to return to that era?”
He alleged that the dynastic parties are trying to create disturbances in the J&K again but BJP will not allow them to succeed in their vicious designs. He reiterated that BJP’s commitment is to weed out terrorism and party for last seven decades struggled for total integration of J&K with India and founder president of Jana Sangh, Dr Shyama Prasad Mookherjee gave sacrifice for this cause. The struggle was carried forward by Pt Prem Nath Dogra who led the Praja Parishad Movement and three generations of the party gave sacrifices for this cause, he added.
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