Poonch: Former Chief Minister and National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, attributed the reported ‘death of three civilians’ in the Surankote area of Poonch to the military.
Expressing concern over the incident’s impact on public trust, Abdullah underscored the critical role of public support in addressing challenges, especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
During his visit to the hospital in Rajouri, Abdullah referred to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s recent assurances, stating, “Our Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had come here. Singh has assured that he will ensure a proper probe into it, and action will be taken against those responsible for it. We hope action will be taken against them, and such incidents will not be repeated.”
Describing the injured civilians as victims of terrorism, Abdullah questioned the circumstances of cross-border infiltration by terrorists, stating, “They are innocent people. How terrorists have come here? Where have they come from? Why they came here? What can we do if they come to our houses with guns? They (people) do not have weapons. They don’t have anyone to protect them.”
Abdullah quoted a Lieutenant General, saying, “This should be kept in mind that if the people are with you, then you can win the war. Be sympathetic to the people and love them. Terrorists are coming in. They are not being stopped. They are highly trained. They are killing our officers of police and Army.”
Abdullah expressed hope for renewed dialogue after elections in both countries. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated, “It is the time of dialogue, and war is no solution. Both India and Pakistan have nuclear capabilities, and we (People of J&K) will be the major targets. War is no solution, and New Delhi must realize this fact.”
Accusing the present ruling regime in Delhi of causing discrimination against minority communities, Abdullah asserted, “This is a dangerous proposition in a secular and democratic country like India. Such a stance of the BJP Government will only weaken the country.”
In response to the tragic incident, Abdullah reiterated the party’s demand for an impartial and time-bound judicial probe stating the need for concrete measures to prevent human rights violations.
He pledged to raise the issue in Parliament, stating, “I will try my level best to draw the attention of the Government towards the incident.”
It is pertinent to mention that three civilians from custody were pronounced dead at the hospital after an Ambush attack left five military personnel dead.