National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Wednesday criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating that the distribution of arms to civilians in Jammu is the clearest sign of the government’s failure to control militancy in the once peaceful region.
Addressing an election rally in Bhaderwah, Doda district, in support of NC candidate Mehbooba Iqbal, Abdullah pointed to the revival of Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and the arming of locals with self-loading rifles, replacing the older .303 models, as evidence of the escalating security issues in Jammu.
“Guns are being handed out because the BJP has allowed terrorism to take root in Jammu, a region that was once free of such threats during our time in office. The people are being armed because they are now living in fear,” Abdullah said.
He further accused the BJP of supporting smaller political groups and independent candidates to fragment the vote and form the next government with their help, even as some of these groups speak openly about the merger of Kashmir with Pakistan.
Continuing his attack, Abdullah stated, “The BJP’s claim to safeguard Jammu is hollow. They’ve done nothing but destroy Jammu and Kashmir and have revived militancy during their decade in power.”
He assured voters that an NC-Congress alliance, if elected, would restore peace and rid Jammu of militancy once again.
Abdullah also addressed a rally in Ramban, where he emphasized NC’s commitment to nationalism, noting that thousands of party workers have sacrificed their lives for the country over the last 35 years.
Responding to BJP claims that the upcoming elections are a contest between “nationalist and anti-national forces,” Abdullah accused the ruling party of using anti-national elements to divide the vote in Kashmir for their political gain.
He also pointed out the BJP’s contradictory stance on bail decisions, highlighting how they supported the release of Awami Itehad Party leader Er Rashid but had criticized the bail granted to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during the Lok Sabha elections.
“They welcomed Rashid’s release because they know it will divide votes in Kashmir. They’re willing to align with anyone, even those who have been jailed for anti-national activities,” Abdullah alleged.
As the first phase of the three-stage elections in Jammu and Kashmir nears on September 18, Abdullah concluded by criticizing the BJP’s lack of tangible progress during its ten years of rule, citing high unemployment, inflation, and the resurgence of terrorism in previously peaceful areas.