BJP challenges political families to open debate on terrorism

Jammu, August 29

The BJP on Thursday challenged the NC, PDP and the Congress to an open discussion on terrorism, violence and public security, even as it criticised the three parties for the restive period in the 1990s in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The party said it has zero tolerance for terrorism and civilian casualties. “I challenge the Gandhi-Nehru, Abdullah, and Mufti families — akin to generational medical shops — 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,” BJP’s J&K incharge Tarun Chug told reporters.

“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.

During the event, Chug 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 casualties, 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 its stance on release of prisoners and on reinstatement of Article 370 as proposed by the NC in its manifesto. “Farooq Abdullah talk of reenacting the 1990 situation and violence, which led to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. Does Congress support this? Is this the stance of the NC?” he asked.