National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of mishandling the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a revival of terrorism in what was otherwise a peaceful Jammu region. Abdullah stated that the NC, along with its coalition partner Congress, would work to restore peace in the region once they form the next government.
Abdullah sharply criticised the BJP’s “double engine” government in the Union Territory, accusing it of doing nothing but increasing the hardships of the people. He alleged that the government has caused “destruction and devastation” and that there is widespread disappointment among the people. He claimed, “No one in Jammu and Kashmir is ready to praise the government for even a single thing.”
Revival of Terrorism in Jammu Region
Addressing a rally in Kishtwar district, Abdullah pointed out that terrorism had revived in districts like Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal, Udhampur, Reasi, Jammu, Kathua,and Samba, areas which were previously free from militancy. He questioned the BJP government’s record, asking, “Tell me one district where our brave soldiers are not being targeted in Jammu region, which was freed of terrorism long back.”
Response to Amit Shah’s Remarks
Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement that terrorism would return if the NC-Congress alliance came to power, Abdullah refuted the claim. He stated that the NC-Congress alliance would free Jammu from terrorism once again, accusing the BJP of lapses that led to the resurgence of militancy in the region.
Promises of the NC-Congress Coalition
Abdullah reassured voters that the NC-Congress coalition would address the real concerns of the people, including growing unemployment, inflated utility bills and the lack of basic necessities like healthcare, education, water and electricity. He emphasised that his party would not seek votes based on religion but would instead focus on providing relief to all sections of society.
Abdullah urged voters to support the NC-Congress coalition in the upcoming elections, stating that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had waited for 10 years for assembly elections. He claimed that it was time to show the BJP, which had governed directly or indirectly through Raj Bhawan, the exit door. “They have only increased the problems of the people, caused destruction, and spread disappointment among the people,” Abdullah concluded.
With inputs from PTI