BJP condemns targeted killings in Kashmir, pledges justice

Srinagar, Dec 25: Senior BJP leader and party General Secretary (Org) Ashok Koul on Monday strongly denounced the recent killing of a retired police officer in Baramulla district, affirming that those responsible for targeted killings in the valley would face justice soon.

Koul expressed confidence in the BJP's ability to secure over 50 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly whenever elections are held in the Union Territory.

"I am confident that our administration will root out the elements behind such incidents and bring them to justice. We condemn the targeted killings, and these actions will be curtailed by the administration. The forces responsible for such attacks will no longer be tolerated," he said. BJP leader while condemning the recent killing of retired Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shafi Mir, said that his murder while calling for "azaan" in a mosque is intolerable in any religion.

Responding to questions, Koul acknowledged that while recent attacks have predominantly targeted security personnel, individuals from various walks of life have also fallen victim to terrorist acts. He emphasised the condemnable nature of these attacks on civilians and expressed concern over the heightened focus on police personnel in recent incidents.

When asked about the BJP's prospects in the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, Koul expressed optimism. "Our job is to work hard. We do not bother about the fruit. We will get the fruit" he said .While drawing parallels with the party's unexpected success in Chhattisgarh, where they won 54 of the 90 seats, Koul asserted that in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP aims to secure more than 50 seats out of the total 90.

While evading a direct response on whether talks should be held with Pakistan, Koul highlighted the efforts made for friendly relations with the neighboring country. He recalled instances such as former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to Lahore and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's unconventional travel from Kabul to Pakistan to engage with Nawaz Sharif.

The senior BJP leader pointed out the friendly attitude displayed by Indian leaders, although he noted that a day after Modi's return from Pakistan, the Pathankot attack occurred.

Earlier a London-based Professor Javid Kakroo and his supporters joined the BJP in Srinagar. The event, held here witnessed the presence of Ashok Koul, who welcomed Professor Javid Kakroo and his supporters into the BJP fold. Prof Kakroo, hailing from Baramulla and known for his contributions to education in various London colleges and universities, expressed his support for the BJP.

Ashok Koul, in his address, acknowledged the increasing influx of individuals from diverse societal segments into the BJP, emphasizing the party's growing popularity.

Notable personalities present at the event included Former MLC Surinder Amardar, North and Central Kashmir Incharge Mudasir Wani, Media Incharge Kashmir Adv Sajid Yousuf Shah, Social Media Incharge Er Sahil Bashir, IT Incharge Sheikh Salman, District President Srinagar Ashok Bhat, Er Aijaz, senior leader Showkat Qayoom.