Suvendu Adhikari's call to stay off Kashmir riles own party, NC slams it as ‘terrorism'
SRINAGAR: Bengal BJP leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari's comments advising Bengal's people not to travel to Kashmir have drawn fire in J&K, with his own party repudiating the statement and the governing National Conference (NC) equating it with 'terrorism'.
'Kashmir is the crown of India, an integral part of our motherland. Every Indian holds Kashmir close to his heart,' former J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina said in a video message where she asked Adhikari to visit the Valley and witness firsthand the 'patriotism of Kashmiris'.
Adhikari had advised Bengal's people against going to places 'where Muslims are in a majority'. 'If you want to visit Kashmir, visit Jammu.' Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, Adhikari said tourists were 'selectively killed' and advised people to visit Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand instead.
Raina contested Adhikari's version of events. 'After the Pahalgam terror attack, it was local Kashmiris who rescued the wounded and later sheltered tourists to ensure their safety. Thousands of Kashmiris have laid down their lives for the nation's unity and security. Many of our own BJP workers from Kashmir were killed by terrorists. Countless Kashmiri policemen and security personnel have been martyred defending the country.
If the Tricolour flies proudly in Kashmir today, it is because of the sacrifices and patriotism of Kashmiris,' Raina said.
Adhikari's comments came after a meeting between J&K CM
Omar Abdullah
and Bengal's Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Thursday. After the talks, Mamata had appealed to the people of her state to travel to Kashmir and support its tourism. She also accepted Omar's invitation to visit the Valley, promising to do so after Durga Puja in Sept.
Mamata's TMC has slammed Adhikari's comments, accusing him of indulging in a 'disgraceful, calculated act of communal provocation' and 'pushing the message of terrorists at home'.
On Saturday, Omar's NC echoed the condemnation. NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said he did not find 'any difference between him (Suvendu) and terrorists' and pointed out that the statement was contrary to efforts by the Centre and J&K govt to revive tourism. 'Terrorists also wanted that no one should visit Kashmir and this person (Adhikari) is saying the same. If you want to condemn the Pahalgam terror attack, you must visit Kashmir,' Sadiq added.
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