JAMMU, May 28: Senior BJP leader and former Minister Bali Bhagat on Thursday strongly backed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s directive for strict action against illegal structures within 15 kilometres of the International Border, saying the move will deliver a decisive blow to the terror, infiltration and narco-terror network operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement issued here, Bhagat said Jammu and Kashmir has suffered for decades because of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, cross-border infiltration, drone smuggling and radical networks that thrived under political appeasement and weak governance. He said illegal structures near sensitive border belts often become shelters, transit points and logistical hubs for anti-national elements involved in smuggling weapons, narcotics and aiding infiltrators.
Bhagat said the Modi Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and anti-national activities, unlike previous regimes that allowed separatist and Pakistan-backed elements to flourish in Jammu and Kashmir. “Amit Shah has made it absolutely clear that every network supporting terrorism, narco-funding and infiltration will be dismantled completely. This is not merely an administrative action but a direct strike on Pakistan’s proxy war machinery operating in J&K,” he said.
The senior BJP leader said border districts including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri and Poonch have repeatedly witnessed drone intrusions, heroin consignments, weapon drops and infiltration attempts from across the border. He added that Pakistan has increasingly been using narco-terrorism as a weapon to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir and mislead local youth.
Launching a scathing attack on opposition leaders, Bhagat accused Mehbooba Mufti, Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah of repeatedly making statements that indirectly strengthen Pakistan’s narrative and demoralise security forces.
“Whenever strong action is taken against terrorism, separatism or illegal networks, these leaders suddenly start crying foul and speaking the language that suits Pakistan. Instead of supporting the nation’s fight against terror, they try to create confusion and fear for cheap political gains,” Bhagat alleged.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have now fully exposed such politics and stand firmly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in the fight against terrorism. Bhagat asserted that under the present leadership, India has sent a clear message that terrorism, separatism, narco-funding and those providing political cover to such forces will not be spared at any cost.
He also urged the administration and security agencies to strictly implement the Home Minister’s directions and ensure that every illegal structure and support system aiding anti-national activities near border areas is completely dismantled.