CM Omar Abdullah’s statement against terrorism ‘welcome step’: BJP

Srinagar, Jan 13: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday welcomed Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's statement that those who commit violence will always face defeat in the region.

The party also mentioned that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Omar Abdullah had emphasized that those who support violence would never succeed in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Perpetrators of violence will always face defeat in Jammu and Kashmir, and we will not allow them to harm democracy in the region,” Abdullah had said.

Commenting on the statement, BJP’s Leader of Opposition (LOP) in J&K Assembly and MLA Padder-Nagseni, Sunil Sharma expressed his appreciation for the chief minister’s statement.

“We welcome Omar Abdullah’s statement on terrorism. Earlier, political parties were acting as a shield for separatism, but after the abrogation of Article 370, things have changed drastically. Terrorism is being wiped out, and while there are occasional incidents, we firmly believe it will soon be eradicated,” Sharma told KINS exclusively.

The BJP leader said that Omar Abdullah brought up the issue of statehood during his address. “Let me remind you that the Prime Minister has previously stated it will be restored at the appropriate time,”

Sharma further said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has changed significantly after the region became a Union Territory.

“Since the Ministry of Home affairs took charge, the law and order situation has greatly improved. Now, all political parties, including those in Jammu and Kashmir, understand that the Centre will never tolerate terrorism or separatism,” he added.

The BJP leader also highlighted how the region’s political landscape has shifted under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Sharma mentioned the case of MP Engineer Rashid, who according to him was 'previously rejecting the Governor’s authority, even now seems to align with the government’s progress'. “Engineer Rashid and his party, used to disrupt the Governor’s addresses, is now appreciating the developments initiated by the Prime Minister and Home Minister,” he said.

“This is a new Jammu and Kashmir. We believe it is true. With the completion of projects like the ring road, railway, highways, and tunnels, peace has returned, stone-pelting is over, and terrorism is on the decline. This is the ‘Naya Kashmir,’ and it is a direct result of PM Modi’s leadership,” he said.

Sharma pointed out the transformation of the Jammu and Srinagar national highway, which was once in dilapidated condition.

“Now, the situation has changed. Projects like the Ring Road, Rafiabad-Kupwara road, and the planned eight to nine-hour travel time from Kashmir to Delhi show how much progress has been made,” he concluded.