Reddy, Chugh, Dr. Jitendra, Raina Inaugurates Media War Room in Jammu
Surinder Singh
JAMMU, Aug 29:
The BJP on Thursday challenged the NC, PDP, and the Congress to an open discussion on terrorism, violence, and public security, even as it criticised the three parties for the restive period in the 1990s in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The party said it has zero tolerance for terrorism and civilian casualties.
“I challenge the Gandhi-Nehru, Abdullah, and Mufti families — akin to generational medical shops — to an open debate on the state of terrorism, security, and civilian safety during both their tenure and ours, and their misleading claims and conspiracies about Article 370 and 35 A,” BJP J-K In-charge Tarun Chug told reporters here.
“We are ready for an open debate anywhere, with a journalist to moderate and a TV channel to broadcast it,” he said, as the party inaugurated its media centre in Jammu for the upcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory.
During the event, Chug asserted there had been a significant decline in terrorism and law and order issues since August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated
BJP Challenges J&K
and the state was carved into two UTs. “Since August 5, 2019, we have not only neutralised terrorists and reduced terrorism but also drastically decreased civilian casualties, security force casualties, and incidents of violence,” the BJP national general secretary said. He also shared casualties year-wise that took place under earlier dispensations.
“During their (NC-Congress-PDP) tenure, incidents of civilian casualties averaged 60-70 annually, decreasing to 55 in 2018, 24 in 2023, and further to 14 this year. Terrorist incidents dropped from 228 in 2018 and 46 in 2023 to just 11 this year.
“Encounters reduced from 189 in 2018 to 48 in 2023 and further to 24 this year. Similarly, security force casualties fell from 91 in 2018 to 23 in 2023 and are now at 14. Our efforts continue to safeguard lives and property,” Chugh said.
He also accused the local political families of encouraging stone-pelting in Kashmir under their rule.
“Under their governance, there were approximately 1,328 incidents of stone-pelting annually, reduced to zero in 2023, and none reported this year,” he claimed.
“We have not only reduced terrorism but also shortened the lifespan of terrorists. We have eradicated fake encounters and innocents killings. They must answer for their records. I challenge Abdullah to prepare for this debate. I am ready,” he added.
Chugh also asked the Congress its stance on release of prisoners and on reinstatement of Article 370 as proposed by the NC in its manifesto.
“Dr Farooq Abdullah and his Srinagar MP talk of reenacting the 1990 situation and violence in Jammu and Kashmir, which led to the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits. Does Congress support this? Is this the stance of the NC?” he asked.
“People have not forgotten the turmoil of 1990 under Mufti Sayeed and Farooq Abdullah’s leadership,” he asserted.
The leader also alleged that jailed separatist Yasin Malik received red-carpet treatment under the Congress rule at the Centre and posed with then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. “Terrorists were honoured and emboldened. Does Congress wish to return to that era?”
In a significant move aimed at enhancing communication and outreach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today inaugurated a Media War Room in Jammu during assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event, held at the Ritz Hotel in Channi, was graced by several prominent leaders including G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister & Election Incharge J&K BJP, Tarun Chugh, BJP National General Secretary and Prabhari J&K BJP, Ravinder Raina President J&K BJP, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Jugal Kishore Sharma MP (Lok Sabha), Sardar RP Singh, National Spokesperson, Shazia Ilmi, National Spokesperson and Sat Sharma, former Minister. Other senior leaders of the party were also present to mark the occasion.
“The Media War Room is envisioned as a strategic hub to strengthen the party’s connection with the public through the media, during assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir”, said Tarun Chugh.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tarun Chugh emphasized the importance of this initiative in bridging the gap between the party and the people. He noted that the primary purpose of setting up the Media War Room is to ensure that the party’s voice reaches the public efficiently and effectively through various media channels. He highlighted that direct contact and communication with the people are crucial in ensuring that the party’s policies, achievements, and future plans are well understood by the masses.
In his address, Tarun Chugh also launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC), questioning their stance on the restoration of Article 370. He stated that during the BJP’s tenure, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a period of peace and prosperity, in contrast to the difficulties faced by the people under the governance of the National Conference. Chugh pointed out that during the NC’s rule, the region was mired in challenges, whereas the BJP, through various beneficiary schemes and steps, has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Chugh warned that the National Conference aims to bring back the dark days of the 1990s, a time marked by terrorism and sectarianism. He presented statistics to illustrate the improvements made in Jammu and Kashmir during the BJP’s tenure, citing a significant decrease in infiltration and terrorist attacks, and an overall improvement in the security situation. Chugh asserted that the BJP has successfully brought about a positive transformation in the region, and this progress would be at risk if the National Conference were to regain power.
In a bold move, Chugh challenged National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah to a debate on the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the improvements made by the BJP. He expressed confidence that such a debate would clearly demonstrate the strides made under BJP rule, which has brought peace and stability to the region.
Chugh reiterated the BJP’s commitment to the security and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating that their safety has always been the party’s top priority. He accused the National Conference of spreading falsehoods about Articles 370 and 35(a), and of making misleading promises about restoring these provisions if they return to power. Chugh also referred to recent remarks by National Conference MP from Srinagar, who suggested that the situation of the 1990s could return to Jammu and Kashmir if Article 370 is not restored. Chugh criticized this stance, asserting that it reflects the NC’s desire to bring back the era of chaos and violence.
Tarun Chugh further warned that the National Conference seeks to free individuals who were responsible for creating turmoil in Jammu and Kashmir, individuals who are currently behind bars for their actions. He urged the people to recognize the progress made under the BJP and to reject any attempts to return to the dark days of the past.
