SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 14: Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday criticised the Centre over the recent security incidents in the Union Territory, claiming that the attacks had exposed the BJP government’s claims of peace and normalcy in Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party function organised to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Karra referred to the attack on CRPF personnel in Kulgam and the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar.
He said these incidents contradicted the Centre’s repeated assertions about an improved security situation in Kashmir and raised questions about its policies and security arrangements.
Karra said the Prime Minister and Home Minister had repeatedly cited the reopening of markets, functioning of schools and the absence of strikes and stone-pelting as indicators of normalcy in the Valley.
However, he argued that such indicators did not reflect the complete security situation on the ground.
“The Centre forgets that this is a deceptive calm. If this is not a deceptive calm, then how do such incidents happen?” he said.
The Congress leader alleged that the government attempted to project an image of peace internationally but was being exposed by what he described as poor performance and flawed policies.
He further said the recent attacks had raised serious questions about the security apparatus and the Centre’s approach towards Jammu and Kashmir.
“Such incidents expose the tall claims of the BJP, including those of the Prime Minister and Home Minister, that everything is hunky-dory. It is a failure of the security apparatus and the policies adopted by the Government of India,” Karra said.
Reacting to BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut’s remarks concerning Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s book, Karra said he did not take her comments seriously. He described the remarks as reflecting a lack of political maturity, culture and values.
He added that such comments would neither affect Sonia Gandhi’s stature and public respect nor weaken her commitment to reviving democracy in the country.
“The BJP and its mindset is getting exposed, that’s all,” he said.
Paying tributes to Jawaharlal Nehru, Karra described him as one of the senior-most leaders of modern India who made significant sacrifices during the freedom struggle.
He credited Nehru with laying the foundation of modern India, saying his legacy was subsequently carried forward by leaders such as Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
Karra also said Indian democracy had once been admired internationally and had served as an example for several countries.
However, he alleged that the BJP had weakened the democratic foundations established by the country’s earlier leaders.
He said the Congress had taken up the task of reviving democracy under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.
