Ensure minorities' safety in Kashmir: BJP

Describing the situation in Kashmir as "worst-ever", the BJP today said the Prime Minister must take all necessary measures, including deployment of army, to safeguard minorities in the Valley.

Updated on: Aug 21, 2010, 18:41:43 IST

PTI | By HT Correspondent, Jammu

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Describing the situation in Kashmir as "worst-ever", the BJP on Saturday said the Prime Minister must take all necessary measures, including deployment of army, to safeguard minorities in the Valley.

"Already Kashmiri Pandits have been forced to leave the Valley and now threats are being issued to minority Sikhs in Kashmir," BJP Vice-President Vinay Katiyar said, adding the Prime Minister "should ensure the safety of Sikhs in the Valley or else resign".

The government must take all measures, including deployment of Army in Kashmir, to safeguard minorities and deal with the secessionist and anti-national elements, he told reporters after addressing activists of state unit at a function in connection with "Kashmir Bachao Day" being observed by the party in Jammu.

"Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is putting Home Minister P Chidambaram in front to deal with the affairs of J&K... but the Prime Minister must deal with it himself," Katiyar said.

Referring to reported threats to the Sikh community in Kashmir Valley, the BJP leader said that Sikhs must stay back and fight for their rights.

"We will build pressure on the government for deployment of Army, if the situation warrants," he said.

Katiyar said that the BJP will continue its fight to "not only be to fully integrate Kashmir with the country, but also to fight for bringing back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)".

Addressing the party workers, Katiyar criticised opening of border routes and alleged that it had helped terrorists and anti-social elements.

Accusing the state government of not taking firm action against stone pelters, Katiyar said "instead the administration was formulating plans for giving them jobs".

Pradesh BJP President Shamsher Singh Manhas and BJP Legislator party Leader Chaman Lal Gupta also addressed the party workers.

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