Shah accuses NC, Cong, PDP of spreading terrorism

Jammu: Union home minister Amit Shah accused National Conference (NC), Congress, and PDP of holding democracy hostage and spreading terrorism in J&K. Speaking at an election rally in Mendhar near the LoC in Poonch district of Jammu division Saturday, Shah blamed the Abdullah, Mufti, and Nehru-Gandhi families — whom he called “dynastic leaders” — for the insurgency and violence that erupted in the region in 1989 and led to the deaths of 40,000 people.
“This election is going to end the rule of three families in J&K,” Shah said.“J&K democracy was held hostage by three families. However, since 2014, Modi govt has paved the way for true democracy in the region.”
Targeting NC president Farooq Abdullah, the Union minister said: “Abdullah promoted terrorism in J&K and is responsible for giving guns to the youth, destroying their future.”
Shah highlighted BJP govt’s achievements in ending terrorism in Kashmir valley. “The youth here have been given laptops instead of stones. Today, BJP govt led by PM Narendra Modi has eradicated terrorism from J&K.”
Shah also referenced the call by PDP and NC-Congress alliance for resumption of dialogue and diplomatic ties with Pakistan to resolve what they called the “unsettled issue” of Kashmir.
“(Congress MP) Rahul Gandhi speaks of ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukan’, but issues ‘Atank ka farman’ (invitation to terrorism) by bidding for talks with Pakistan. But I say with assertion that we will not hold talks with Pakistan until it ceases terrorism. My dialogue will not be with Pakistan, but solely with my children from the hills,” Shah said.
Referring to the security situation in Kashmir, Shah said: “Do you remember how much firing used to take place in J&K in the 1990s? Earlier, there used to be firing here because the masters here were afraid of Pakistan. Now, Pakistan is afraid of PM Modi. They do not have the courage to open fire, and if they do, the bullets will be answered with shells.”
On the issue of reservation, Shah assured that BJP would ensure quota benefits for Pahadi, Gujjar, and Bakarwal communities. “BJP has decided that they should not only be given reservation in jobs but also in promotions. This is your right,” he said, while blaming Congress, NC, and PDP for depriving these communities of their rights.
“Rahul Baba recently said in America that they will remove reservations once their party is in power. But I want to tell him that his party has always been anti-reservation. As long as BJP is there, no one can remove reservations,” he said.
Shah underscored the significance of the local governance reforms under the Modi govt. “It was because of these three families that J&K didn’t see panchayat, BDC, and DDC polls for a long time. Today, over 30,000 representatives of panchayats, blocks, and districts are enjoying the fruit of democracy,” he said.
Shah later addressed another rally in Surankote, urging votes for BJP and reiterating his party’s commitment to development in J&K.
These are the first assembly elections in J&K in a decade and since the abrogation of Article 370 in Aug 2019 and the bifurcation of the region into two Union territories, including Ladakh. The elections are taking place against a backdrop of escalating terrorist violence. Between May 4 and Sept 13, J&K recorded 21 security force fatalities — 17 in Jammu zone and four in Kashmir valley.