Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Aug 16: Former Union Health Minister and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad today said that security situation in the Jammu and Kashmir State has worsened after taking over by Narendra Modi at the Centre.
Mr Azad, who rushed to Jammu this morning to visit Govt Medical College hospital here and meet over a dozen villagers from Balakote area of Poonch injured in Pakistani shelling, told the media persons that a strong message should have gone to the Pakistan from the Indian Government but it is unfortunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi chose to remain mute on this issue.
“Yesterday was Independence Day of India and entire country was celebrating the event. A major attack from Pakistani side took place in Balakote sector of Poonch in which six innocent civilians were killed and more than a dozen injured. It is unfortunate that Prime Minister preferred to remain mute on the killings of civilians in Pakistani shelling on the Independence day instead of giving strong message to the neighbouring country from Lal Qila,” Azad maintained.
“I feel sorry that for the first time on August 15, Prime Minister talked about foreign policy. While talking on foreign policies, the Prime Minister should have condemned Pakistan’s act from the ramparts of the Red Fort,” Azad remarked.
When asked whether security situation has worsened after Modi Government came into power, the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha said, “There is no denying the fact. I have already raised this on the floor of the House. Ever since the BJP came into power at the Centre, there has been a huge escalation in the incidents of firing along the borders,” he said.
“There has been huge increase in the ceasefire violations along the IB and LoC in last 7-8 months. There has been manifold increase and we have not seen such escalation before,” Azad maintained.
Replying to a question whether talks and terror can go together, Azad said, “Well, this is for this Govt (Modi) to think about. While in power whenever we (UPA) wanted to hold talks with Pakistan, BJP which was in opposition then used to ridicule and criticize us saying that talks can not be held while terror continues. Now, when the terror incidents have increased manifold, the Govt led by Modi is going two steps forward and four steps backward. I think they do not have clear policy with regard to Pakistan,” Azad said.
“Today, I do not want to speak on this anymore and play politics over talks. I want to speak on the behaviour of Pakistan towards India and people of J&K. By these acts, people of J&K will start hating Pakistan,” Azad asserted.
Strongly condemning the killings of innocent people in shelling by Pakistan, Azad said that Pakistan was indulging in un-Islamic actions. “It is a sign of cowardice. Pakistan should feel ashamed of its cowardly acts. I do not know what type of Islam Pakistan is preaching” Their ISI, army and other security forces are deeply involved. Even on day of Eid, after conclusion of fasting month of Ramdan, they fired on the Indian civilians at Saujian and Gagrian in Poonch few months back.
The top AICC leader further said that Pakistan will never change its mindset. It can not control its own internal turmoil and failed to restore its democracy in the country. “It can not move forward towards its development, peace and progress. It continued to attack our country whether Gurdaspur or Udhampur. He said repeated attack show their cowardice nature, Azad added.
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