Ganga’s ‘ bullet for stone’ remark triggers condemnation from NC, PDP

Srinagar/ April, 20: Both ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition National Conference (NC) have condemned the controversial remark of the Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga where in he has asked for firing bullets on youth throwing stones on police and army.
Strongly condemning, what he termed the grossly insensitive remarks, of senior BJP leader and Minister for Industries, Chander Parkash Ganga, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice-President, Mohammad Sartaj Madni Thursday said that such disgusting utterances are not only unjustifiable but perilous as well. “It is unbecoming of a senior Minister in the Government to dish out such a sweeping, sickening and intimidating statement against the Kashmiri youth,” Madni said in a statement issued here Thursday. Madni said the statement of Ganga is also in contravention to the stand of the State Cabinet on the issue which in its meeting held in Jammu on April 18, expressed deep anguish over the loss of lives in the Valley and directed the security agencies to exercise maximum restraint while handling law and order situations to prevent loss of lives. He said instead of reaching out to the distressed and alienated Kashmiri youth and address their concerns, the hawkish rhetoric of such fringe elements has the danger of further adding to the alienation of the people and impeding the government’s efforts of restoring peace and calm in the Valley. “Late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had entered into an alliance with the BJP only with the objective of bridging the gulf between the people of different regions the State and taking Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of inclusive development and prosperity,” he said and added that unfortunately the unwarranted statements of such fringe elements are negating the basic philosophy of this alliance. “Instead of bringing the people together, such insidious statements are unfortunately only going to add to the void,” he said and added that a responsible government functionary can’t be seen pitching himself against own people. “We hope that good sense will prevail and the BJP leadership will take serious note of such uncalled-for statement from a senior Minister of the party,” he said and added that instead of provoking the situation in Kashmir, all the right-thinking people should try to find a way out of the present impasse by engaging with all sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir.
In yet another blow to BJP’s minister’s remark on ‘bullet for stone’ remark the National Conference workers Thursday set an effigy of PDP-BJP led coalition government minister on fire for his anti-Kashmir remarks. Senior BJP Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga on Wednesday had said the youth throwing stones in Kashmir should be dealt with bullets.“They are traitors, whether they have come from Pakistan or live here. There is only one remedy for them and that is bullets. And if not bullets, they should be handed over such a punishment like the youth who are beaten with sticks by forces. Take my word that next time they (the youth) won’t throw stones,” the minister was seen saying in a video clip that has gone viral on social networking sites. The anti-Kashmir remarks angered National Conference workers who hit to roads and amid anti-BJP and anti-Ganga slogans set effigy of the minister on fire. The protest was led by Youth National Conference president Salman Sagar.“The hatemonger Minister Chander Praskah Ganga has made it clear that the present government in Jammu and Kashmir has been pursuing anti-Kashmir policies. The motive of this government is to terrorize people and kill civilians. It is apathy that fanatic ministers like Ganga are part of this unsuccessful government,” Salman Sagar told reporters. Salman said, “It is highly shameful that no one from the government or from PDP has spoken against such rabid comments. It shows the seriousness and the priorities of this government. The whole valley is going through a very volatile phase. Instead of deescalating the situation, every effort is being made to escalate the situation in Kashmir. This is condemnable and will be resisted peacefully.”
“It is highly shameful that police manhandled our peaceful march and did not allow the protestors to move further. This act of police exposes the tall claims of PDP-BJP government of giving space to peaceful protests. When a major mainstream political party is treated like this, what can be expected from the administration when it comes to handling protests by students and others. The rule of law is completely missing on ground and any semblance of government is nowhere,” Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani said later while talking to reporters.
Taking strong note of the remarks by BJP minister, Provincial Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar castigated the present dispensation for maintaining a criminal silence. “For the sake of power, Mehbooba Mufti has sold her conscious and has given in to the arm pulling of its coalition partner, the right wing BJP. In all this she has forgotten even those who have voted her to power,” he said adding, “Time will come when she will have to pay a heavy price for siding with those who are openly calling for murder of Kashmiris.”The National Conference protesters tried to march towards city centre Lal Chowk from TRC, however, they were stopped by police.
Trade bodies too have condemned the statement of BJP minister and Industries and Commerce minister Chander Prakash Ganga justifying the use of bullets on protesters in Kashmir.
“The use of words “latoon kay boot baton say nahi mantey” were viewed as serious, based on insanity and adding fuel to fire,” said a joint statement issued by the heads of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & industry (Inc), Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) and Federation Chamber of Industries Kashmir (FCIK).
“The trade bodies vehemently condemn the irresponsible statement made with a warning to the BJP leadership to restrain their leaders and cadres from threatening Kashmiris.”