Srinagar
Former minister and senior BJP legislator Lal Singh claimed that Maharaja’s ruled Kashmir better than the current elected government and politicians have turned Valley into hell and are now trying to divide and create tension in Jammu as well, reports said.
According to a report published by Economic Times, the BJP leader from Jammu said that J&K chief minister Mehboba Mufti, exploited holy month of Ramazan and pushed for ceasefire thinking she will please Pakistan and militants but they didn’t respond positively.
Singh, who was asked to resign from cabinet last month over his controversial participation in Hindu Ekta Manch rally organized in support of accused in rape and murder of 8-year-old Bakerwal girl in Jammu, reiterated the demand for CBI inquiry in the case. He accused Mufti of disrespecting the electorate of Jammu saying Dogras have been defamed by labelling them as ‘rapists and pro-rapists.’ Singh has remained a state cabinet minister thrice and parliament member twice till now, the report said.
“Politicians have ruined Kashmir. Has Pakistan accepted or responded positively this ceasefire offer? Mehbooba thought she would play to galleries. The government of India was kind enough to keep her word. But what has Pakistan done. People on border areas continue to suffer. She should realize and stop playing to galleries,” Economic Times quoted Singh as saying.
After his resignation, Singh is carrying out rallies in Jammu, demanding CBI enquiry in the case and believes that the victim will get justice and her soul will rest in peace only after CBI enquiry. He also suggested that controversial Hindu Ekta Manch to be renamed as Dogra Ekta Manch to address fears of those who label it as a communal platform. Singh’s rallies are well attended and are backed by various political, religious and business organizations of Jammu.
“They (politicians) cannot handle Kashmir and now they are trying to ruin Jammu. They broke Kashmir into pieces. Today, these politicians have sowed the seeds of hatred in every heart. Tell me one politician in Kashmir who can dare to organize a rally like we do in Jammu? These leaders go to Kashmir like thieves and can’t even visit their constituencies,” Economic Times quoted Singh as saying.
“You see when there was Dogra rule before 1947, things we better. The condition is worst today. They are fomenting trouble just for the sake of chair? They are emotionally blackmailing people,” Singh alleged.
The BJP leader said that Hindus, Muslims and people from every other religion are demanding CBI probe, then why is this government shying away from this.
“If this is not the government of ballot and bullets, why aren’t they listening to people? They are trying to foment trouble here and the day Jammu goes astray nobody can come here like nobody is able to go to Kashmir.”
The sacrifice of an 8-year-old girl, Singh said has united Jammu and brotherhood there has strengthened. “Jammu was never communal and we will never allow it to go that way. In Kashmir seeds of division are being sown. Recently, they played some Kashmir national anthem at SKICC, where even government official stood up for that. What nonsense is this? I believe in unity, peace and prosperity of the state and the whole country,” said Singh, reported Economic Times.
