Statehood only after terror attacks like Gagangeer cease: BJP

Srinagar, Oct 24: BJP General Secretary (org) Ashok Koul on Thursday said that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will only be considered once terrorist attacks, like the recent Gagangeer, cease.

Speaking to reporters during a BJP function held in tribute to the late Prem Nath Dogra, Koulsaid that while political leaders, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, have made demands for statehood, the decision rests solely with the Centre.

“Omar Abdullah has met the Union Home Minister and is expected to meet the Prime Minister soon. There’s no harm in demanding the restoration of statehood, but incidents like the Gagangeer terror attack must stop first. Only then can the Centre take a final call,” Koul said.

He reaffirmed that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have previously stated that statehood would be restored at the appropriate time, but the timing of such decisions depends on security conditions.

Referring to the Gagangeer attack , Koul said such attacks aim to destabilize peace in J&K. “Perhaps the terrorists mis timed their assault, or else there would have been mass casualties among workers. Incidents like these, whether in Gagangeer or previous attacks in Kathua, Reasi, Poonch, and Rajouri, where innocents were targeted, must be condemned at the highest levels,” he said. He also mentioned that on the same day, a non-local laborer was injured in Tral, South Kashmir, which he called another attempt to disrupt peace.

The BJP leader said that former Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah, along with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, have condemned the Gagangeer attack. “Mehbooba Mufti, although guarded in her condemnation, along with Dr Farooq Abdullah, has spoken against this heinous act, and that is important for the stability of J&K,” Koul added.

About the possibility of dialogue with Pakistan, Koul dismissed any talks until Islamabad takes concrete steps against terrorism. “No talks can happen unless Pakistan hands over terror commanders, including Syed Salahuddin, to India,” he asserted. He further ruled out any chance of the reinstatement of Article 370, which was revoked in 2019. “No power can bring back Article 370. It’s a closed chapter,” he said.