Centre gives J&K govt list of 80 radicalised youth causing trouble
NEW DELHI: As the ongoing Kashmir turmoil claimed its 66th victim on Wednesday, the Centre ordered the Jammu and Kashmir government to crackdown on radicalised groups or “agent provocateurs” who fuel unrest in the Valley.
The Centre wants the state government headed by Mehbooba Mufti to take tough measures to stem the unrest, which is nearing its 50th day. It wants the state government– its alliance partner– to keep its end of the bargain by ensuing law and order; and assuring that it will provide whatever additional force and resources are required.
Home minister Rajnath Singh is in the Valley to meet a crosssection of people, in a bid to end the ongoing turmoil. The visit, senior BJP leaders asserted was a message to the Kashmiris that their “genuine grievances” will be addressed.
On the centre’s radar are the radicalised groups, most of whom are affiliated with the Jamat-e-Islami, and which the government alleges are funded and encouraged by Pakistan. “These groups are separate from the arm wielding militants and the separatists. The government knows who they are and what needs to be done,” a source said.
Privy to the meeting between the BJP-PDP brass and the government officials, the source said: “A list of as many as 80 agent provocateurs has been identified and the state government has been told to take suitable action as there is urgent need to prevent the killing of innocent people.”
As reports of anti-India slogans, blaring from mosques and pamphlets with pro-Pakistan messages emanate from the Valley, Delhi’s message to the PDP is to take though decisions.
Regarding the oppositions’ demand for a political solution in the state, a senior BJP leader told HT that these parties have been reluctant to come on board.
“We are open to talks with all stakeholders, but the separatists don’t want to talk to the government. As for opposition parties, we ask them, what is the solution that they have to offer? Is any party ready to talk about Azadi?” a senior BJP functionary said.