PDP, BJP in stone-pelter slugfest
Row in J&K ruling coalition over BJP minister’s remark on protesters
Partners in Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling coalition, the PDP and the BJP, differ on the issue of how to tackle stone-pelting by the Valley’s youth — in another controversy that threatens to mar their two-year-old alliance.
Hours after the state’s industries minister and BJP legislator Chander Prakash Ganga called for shooting down the “stonepelters and traitors”, the PDP said it strongly condemns what it said were grossly insensitive remarks. Mr Ganga had, while responding to a question about the stonepelters of the Valley, told reporters in Jammu, “They are the traitors. Whether they live in the country or come from Pakistan, they can only be treated by bullets. If bullets are not there, at least they should be punished, like by beating them with canes. Mark my words and see whether they will pelt stones again. What azaadi are they demanding?” He also suggested that the stone-pelters be hit with shoes.
The PDP’s vice-president, Mohammad Sartaj Madni, while reacting to the comments, said that such “disgusting” utterances are not only unjustifiable, but also perilous. In a statement issued here on Thursday, he said, “It is unbecoming of a senior minister in the government to dish out such a sweeping, sickening and intimidating statement against Kashmiri youth.” He said that Mr Ganga’s statement is also in contravention to the stand of the state Cabinet on the had entered into an alliance with the BJP only with the objective of bridging the gulf between the people of different regions the state, and taking Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of inclusive development and prosperity,” he said, adding, “Unfortunately the unwarranted statements of such fringe elements are negating the basic philosophy of this alliance”.
The PDP leader, who is the maternal uncle of chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, said, “Instead of bringing the people together, such insidious statements are unfortunately only going to add to the void.”
He added that a responsible government functionary could not be seen pitching himself against his own people.