Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 23: All India Anti-Terrorist Front (AIATF) chief, MS Bitta today said that the targeted killings by terrorists show Pakistan’s growing frustration over the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
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Talking to media persons here today in presence of JCCI president, Arun Gupta and others, Bitta said the time has come for political leaders in Kashmir to take a lesson from Punjab and lend wholehearted support to the efforts of the Government to wipe out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism from the Union Territory.
“After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, nothing much happened in J&K proving wrong those who claim that the region will engulf in fire. Pakistan and its ISI got frustrated and a new plot was hatched to target innocent and unarmed civilians,” Bitta said.
“Eleven civilians, including two teachers, a Pharmacy owner and five labourers, were killed in separate attacks by terrorists in Kashmir Valley this month,” he added.
He said political leaders in Kashmir need to take a lesson from Punjab and challenge the terrorists.
Bitta said the present Government is not weak and has given a free hand to the security forces to deal with the terrorists.
He lauded the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
He urged the people of Kashmir to stand up against terrorism to make the future of their coming generations safe.
“Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and will remain so in future as well. Stand up against terrorism like we did in Punjab for the sake of humanity,” Bitta asserted.
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Arun Gupta condemned target killings and asks the politicians to come forward to eliminate terrorism. He expressed grave concern over the selective killings of people especially the members of minority communities in Kashmir Valley and appealed the majority community to come forward in support of minority community in the valley.
Earlier, Maninderjeet Singh Bitta, was welcomed by Jammu Chamber team led by Arun Gupta. They discussed various issues related to present scenario of Jammu and Kashmir. Other office bearers Anil Gupta, Rajeev Gupta, Gaurav Gupta, Rajesh Gupta and Rajesh Gupta were also present.