Question those who ruled J&K for 10 years: Deputy CM

Jammu, Nov 2: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary Saturday reiterated that the questions about the recent surge in terror attacks should be posed to those who ruled J&K during the last ten years.

He was responding to media queries, on the sidelines of a government event, about a spurt in terror attacks in the past few days.

“Is it fair to pose these questions to those who have taken over the reins of government just a fortnight ago or so? Have these terrorist attacks started now? Is it a new trend, which has begun after the formation of a new government? Have these attacks not occurred earlier? These attacks were taking place even before the conduct of elections. I wish these questions were asked to those who had been ruling here before us. They should have been made accountable,” Choudhary answered the query with a volley of questions.

“Yes, whatever is happening, this (terror attacks) is very unfortunate and it should not happen. As far as these terror attacks are concerned, they are condemnable. We unequivocally condemn them as innocent people are losing lives. NC President Dr Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the entire party rank and file have condemned them (attacks). Our party has never justified them. We want an end to terrorism. This has been a consistent stand of the party since 1996,” he said.

“NC is that political organisation (party), which has suffered the most on account of terrorism. Our leaders and workers have fallen prey to terror acts. Many NC people have sacrificed their lives in this vortex of terrorism. But at the same time, my assertion is – the way you are posing questions to us as to why these attacks are happening now- the same question should also be posed to others, who are trying to pass the buck. I don’t want to name anyone but the pointer is unambiguous,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

“I don’t want to indulge in TV debates as to how it (terror attack) occurred or if it occurred after three years or four years. Terrorism is a menace. It should end. It cannot be and should not be measured or assessed on the time scale or in terms of years. Any incident, whether happening after years, weeks, days or hours – is condemnable. But my request is – even to the media that they should change their perception also,” he said.

Questions pertained to a spurt in terror attacks as earlier during the day, Valley witnessed two encounters one in Anantnag and the other in Khanyar.

Exhorting media persons to sensitively deal with these issues, Choudhary stated that these (terror) incidents should not be mirrored or seen through the prism of a blame-game with a singular objective to fix culpability on others.

“This will not serve anyone’s interests – neither those of the state nor that of its people. These incidents should be viewed from the perspective of (terror) victims and their families. Just ask them who have lost their near and dear ones to mindless terrorist violence. This is not a topic for politics. This is a very serious issue which should concern us all. Don’t use this issue to point fingers at others. The seriousness of the issue makes it imperative for both Delhi (central) and J&K governments to jointly think over it to address it,” he said.

Choudhary stated that both governments had a common objective of bringing peace to J&K. “For that, we would have to jointly work to root out terrorism to establish peace,” he said.

STATEHOOD IS BJP LEADERSHIP’S PROMISE; TIME TO FULFILL IT

To a question about the restoration of statehood to J&K, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that it was the commitment made by BJP leadership and the time was ripe to fulfil it.

“Very soon, J&K will get its status of state. We don’t need to say anything. This is BJP’s promise. This is the commitment of BJP’s top leadership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reiterated this commitment during his election rallies also that statehood would be restored after the formation of (elected) government. Similarly, the Union Home Minister had committed in the Parliament that it (statehood) would be restored after improvement in the situation. Now this is the time for the Delhi (union) government to keep its word,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister asserted the people (of J&K) also desired that J&K should become a full-fledged state as early as possible. About a question about the ropeway project to Shri Mata Vaishnodevi shrine, he took a dig at the BJP.

“This project was cleared by the Lieutenant Governor (LG). Ask this question to BJP MLA as LG represents Centre, where BJP is in power. However, keeping in view the people’s concern, anyway, we will look into this issue and make a decision after seeking the opinion of all stakeholders,” Choudhary said.