Protests rock J&K Assembly over Army chief Rawat’s remarks on education | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Protests rock J&K Assembly over Army chief Rawat’s remarks on education

Press Trust of India, Jammu | ByPress Trust of India
Jan 15, 2018 02:20 PM IST

Army chief Lt Gen Bipin Rawat had called for “some control” over mosques and madrassas in the state and suggested a “major revamp” of the education system.

Protests rocked Jammu and Kashmir Assembly over the remarks of Army chief as the opposition National Conference created ruckus and staged walk out from the House demanding statement from the government over the issue.

Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Working President Omar Abdullah with party MLAs inside the legislative assembly during the ongoing budget session, in Jammu on Monday.(PTI)
Jammu & Kashmir National Conference Working President Omar Abdullah with party MLAs inside the legislative assembly during the ongoing budget session, in Jammu on Monday.(PTI)

Rawat had on Friday said social media and government schools in the state were spreading a “disinformation campaign” resulting in radicalisation of youths.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

In his statement, he had also called for “some control” over mosques and madrassas in the state and suggested a “major revamp” of the education system.

As the house assembled for the day, members of NC stood up and raised the issue of remarks of Army chief Lt Gen Bipin Rawat and sought statement from the Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti or any other minister.

Notably, the Education Minister of J-K, Altaf Bukhari had then accused the Army of “meddling in the state’s affairs”.

However, contrary to that, the BJP J-K unit spokesperson Brigadier Anil Gupta (retd) in a statement asked “the minister to be pragmatic and accept the reality rather than locking horns” with the Army chief.

Gupta said Gen. Rawat’s remarks should be viewed positively and not turned into a political issue.

Speaking on the issue in Assembly, NC MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar told house that army chief statement is sad and unwarranted and that he should not have given such a statement which send a wrong message to Kashmir. Protests rock J-K Assembly over Army chief’s remarks

CPI(M) MLA M Y Tarigami also criticised the statement and sought a reply from the government.

Amid protests, NC members were up on their feet in opposition as they sought statement from the CM over the issue.

After it was rejected, they staged walkout from the house.

Speaking to reporters, Sagar said there is problem in the government and that the ruling alliance partners are not discussing the issue within.

“They (PDP and BJP) are not discussing issue within. Centre says one thing, army other, home ministry another, state government other. They have different directions”, he said.

He also added that there is no radicalisation is Kashmir, and dismissed the statement as “manufactured propaganda” aimed to target Kashmir and Kashmiris.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On