JAMMU, Nov 13: Senior BJP leader and former Minister Bali Bhagat on Thursday launched a sharp attack on National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah over his repeated remarks advocating dialogue with Pakistan, asking him to refrain from commenting on India’s security policy and instead focus on fulfilling promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Reacting to recent terrorist incidents in Kulgam and Kishtwar, Bhagat said it was unfortunate that at a time when security personnel were making sacrifices and innocent families were suffering, Farooq Abdullah was advocating engagement with Pakistan. Referring to the Kulgam attack, in which three CRPF personnel were injured, and the killing of two Special Police Officers in Kishtwar, he said such incidents demanded national unity and solidarity with security forces.
Bhagat asserted that Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and that the country was fully capable of taking independent decisions on matters concerning national security. He accused Farooq Abdullah of making statements that could be exploited by Pakistan’s propaganda machinery and maintained that meaningful dialogue could not be pursued while terrorism and anti-India activities continued.
Supporting the security approach of the Narendra Modi-led government, Bhagat said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had demonstrated a firm commitment towards national security. He urged political leaders to stand united with security forces in the fight against terrorism.
Taking on the NC leadership over its electoral promises, Bhagat questioned Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Farooq Abdullah over the commitments made before the Assembly elections. He sought answers on the promised 200 units of free electricity, 12 free LPG cylinders annually, Rs 5,000 monthly assistance for women heads of economically weaker families and employment opportunities for unemployed youth.
He alleged that instead of fulfilling these commitments, the NC leadership was focusing on controversial political statements.
Bhagat also targeted the National Conference over reports of internal dissent among its legislators, leaders and workers, asking Farooq Abdullah to address growing differences within his party rather than commenting on India’s Pakistan policy.
Concluding his remarks, Bhagat said the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted security, development, employment and accountability. He urged the NC leadership to prioritise public welfare, fulfil its electoral commitments and strengthen its organisational unity instead of engaging in political controversies.