Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the opposition Congress and National Conference on Saturday, accusing them of escalating terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir during their rule, which led to the loss of thousands of lives.
Speaking at an election rally in Surankoat, Poonch district, Shah stated, “Congress and National Conference ruled here for 35 years, terrorism increased, 40 thousand people were killed, Jammu and Kashmir remained closed for three thousand days, it remained immersed in darkness for eight years. You (Congress and National Conference) are responsible for this.”
“Farooq Abdullah ( National Conference President) came here and instilled fear among the people that terrorism will spread into the Jammu region of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and the hills. But nobody has the courage to bring terrorism in the hills. I assure you that we will end terrorism,” he added.
Shah criticised Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha over his remarks regarding Sikhs, stating, “Rahul Gandhi talks about ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukan’ and from that ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukan’ he issues orders for terrorism and says – hold talks with Pakistan. There will be no talks with Pakistan until Pakistan stops terrorism. Talks will only be held with my Pahari children,” he said.
Shah also reiterated the BJP’s electoral promises for Jammu and Kashmir, including an annual grant of Rs 18,000 for the senior-most woman in households, two free LPG cylinders for Ujjwala beneficiaries, and an increase in the PM-Kisan annual assistance from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000.
Earlier, addressing a gathering in Mendhar, Shah remarked, “Since 1947, soldiers from Jammu and Kashmir have defended India in every war against Pakistan. When terrorism entered in the 1990s, courtesy of Farooq Abdullah, it was my Pahadi, Gurjar, and Bakarwal brothers who bravely faced bullets on the borders.”
He highlighted the growing political engagement among young Kashmiris, noting, “Due to Modi Ji’s tireless efforts, today, around 30,000 Kashmiri youths are contesting elections at various levels, exercising their democratic rights.”
The Congress and National Conference are campaigning in alliance, while other parties, including the PDP and BJP, are contesting the 90 Assembly seats. This marks the first election in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370, with voting for the second and third phases scheduled for September 25 and October 1, respectively. Votes will be counted on October 8.