Says Kashmiris deserve accountability over past tragedies; opposes reopening of Muzaffarabad road citing security concerns
Srinagar, July 29: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Altaf Thakur on Wednesday launched a strong attack on National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, alleging that both leaders must publicly apologise for the civilian killings and pellet-related injuries that occurred during their respective tenures in office.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Srinagar, Thakur accused the two former Chief Ministers of engaging in “selective politics” by raising concerns over pellet victims while allegedly overlooking incidents that took place under their own governments.
“Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti must apologise to the people of Kashmir for the civilian deaths that occurred during their rule. The people have not forgotten those painful chapters, and those responsible cannot evade accountability by selectively highlighting issues today,” Thakur said.
He alleged that both leaders were attempting to politicise the suffering of Kashmiris instead of acknowledging what he described as the failures of their administrations in safeguarding civilian lives during periods of unrest.
Citing figures to support his claims, Thakur said that during Omar Abdullah’s tenure, around 130–145 civilians lost their lives, 8,000–9,000 people sustained pellet injuries, and 256 individuals suffered vision loss due to pellet firing. He further alleged that more than 1,000 people continue to be affected by detentions under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
Referring to pellet victims, the BJP leader said their suffering should not be used for political gains. He stressed that those affected deserve justice, proper rehabilitation, quality medical treatment, financial support, and long-term assistance rather than becoming subjects of political narratives.
Thakur asserted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are now prioritising peace, development, employment, and good governance over what he termed “emotion-driven and selective politics.” He urged political parties to focus on strengthening democratic institutions and addressing public concerns instead of reviving past controversies for electoral advantage.
Responding to a question on the possible reopening of the Muzaffarabad road, Thakur said the BJP remains firmly opposed to the move as long as terrorism continues to pose a threat. He alleged that reopening the cross-Line of Control route could facilitate the infiltration of terrorists, movement of weapons, and cross-border narcotics smuggling, thereby compromising the region’s security.
“There can be no meaningful discussion on reopening the route until Pakistan ends its support for terrorism and the overall security situation improves significantly,” he said.
Reaffirming the BJP-led government’s commitment to Jammu and Kashmir, Thakur said the administration remains focused on ensuring lasting peace, strengthening security, promoting infrastructure development, attracting investment, generating employment opportunities, and improving public welfare.
Concluding his remarks, Thakur reiterated that political leaders seeking to represent the people must first be accountable for their own record in government.
“The people of Kashmir deserve truth, accountability and justice—not selective outrage,” he said.
