Srinagar, Jul 10: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday accused the BJP of planting a protester to disrupt a National Conference programme in Hiranagar, demanded action against police officers over alleged security lapses, and appealed to people to join the party’s renewed campaign for restoration of statehood.
Addressing reporters in Jammu, Choudhary said the National Conference’s tour of Samba and Kathua districts was successful except for one incident in Hiranagar, where, he alleged, “a BJP worker” created a disturbance. He claimed the individual’s social media profile reflected his political affiliation and said that if he was not linked to the BJP, the party should itself seek registration of an FIR against him.
Calling the disruption undemocratic, Choudhary said political parties should not send workers to disrupt rival programmes. He also questioned the security arrangements, alleging the protester attempted to climb onto the stage before being stopped by his Personal Security Officers, and demanded action against the local SHO and DSP.
Referring to an earlier attack on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, Choudhary said security agencies must also be held accountable for such incidents. He added that every citizen, not just political leaders, deserved adequate security.
On the controversy surrounding the proposed National Law University, Choudhary said the issue had effectively been resolved after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured students that their concerns would be addressed.
He rejected suggestions that the Hiranagar protest was linked to the university and dismissed allegations that the government was discriminating against Jammu, saying he had consistently fought for the region’s interests.
Choudhary also urged people to attend the National Conference’s statehood rally at Hari Singh Park in Jammu on July 12 and announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 during Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood after the Assembly elections, but the commitment remained unfulfilled. Stressing that the campaign was being held in both Jammu and Kashmir, Choudhary said the demand for statehood belonged to the entire Union Territory and was essential for better governance, development and employment.
