BJP govt in J&K essential for peace, prosperity: Amit Shah

Srinagar/Jammu: Union home minister Amit Shah emphasised Sunday the need for a BJP govt in J&K to ensure peace, prosperity, and development while accusing previous administrations led by PDP, National Conference (NC), and Congress of depriving the people of their rights and contributing to the decades-long unrest in the region.

Speaking at an election rally in Nowshera of Rajouri district in Jammu division, Shah said only a BJP govt in J&K can give a befitting reply to terrorism and teach a lesson to Pakistan for fomenting trouble in the region.

Shah dismissed any possibility of engaging in talks with Pakistan until terrorism is fully eradicated. "We will not talk to Pakistan until terrorism is gone. These political parties want to reopen LOC trade and bring terrorism back into J&K, but we will never allow that."

Shah also assured that BJP govt under PM Narendra Modi has ensured safety along the border. “Now there is no need for bunkers in the border areas. If bullets come, we will respond with shells. The Indian flag will now always fly high in Kashmir.”

Highlighting the impact of the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Shah said it marked a new era of peace, development, and the end of terrorism. “I know how much the people here suffered, and how PDP, NC, and Congress took your rights away. But after the abrogation of Article 370, tell me, was it good or bad? (NC president) Farooq Abdullah says he will bring it back, but I can assure you, no one will ever get it back.”

In a sharp rebuke to Abdullah, Shah accused him of neglecting Kashmir during its darkest times. “For 30 years, terrorism thrived here, curfews were imposed, and 40,000 people were killed. Farooq Sahib was in London while Kashmir burned.”

Shah criticised opposition promises, accusing them of misleading the public. “NC is promising to release terrorists and stone-throwers from jails for their gains, but PM Modi will crush terrorism in J&K. We will never free those who harmed our people.”

He outlined BJP’s development vision for J&K, promising to improve connectivity and unveil plans for an international airport, a metro rail system in Jammu, and five lakh govt jobs for youth. “We will expose those who brought terrorism to J&K, those who ate biryani with terrorists. The then home minister couldn’t even visit Kashmir, but now, under PM Modi, anyone can walk freely through Lal Chowk (in Srinagar), even late at night. Tourism and cinemas have returned to J&K,” he said, highlighting the return of normality in the region.

The Union minister also affirmed that no one will be allowed to touch reservations for Paharis, Gujjars, Dalits, and other backward classes, stressing that BJP will protect the rights of the deprived sections.

Shah rejected NC’s manifesto promise of renaming Shankaracharya Hill as Takht-e-Suleiman and Hari Parbat as Koh-e-Maran, saying: “No one has the courage to change the name of Shankaracharya mountain...this will be known by the name of Shankaracharyaji for ages.”

He underscored the successful completion of the first phase of polling on Sept 18 and expressed confidence in a BJP victory. “No NC-Congress govt will be formed. I can tell you this. On Sept 25 (second phase), vote for the candidate who will work for you, vote for our BJP candidate, and we will ensure your welfare.”

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