Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition and senior BJP leader, criticized the National Conference (NC) for allegedly disrupting the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during the budget session’s final three days. He accused the NC of preventing the BJP from raising crucial public issues.
Sharma emphasized the central government’s dedication to J&K’s development, asserting that all federally funded schemes would continue unhindered. He also highlighted the improved security situation, stating, “We will not allow the return of stone-pelting, shutdowns, or violence. The situation has improved significantly.” He contrasted the current peace with past regimes, noting the return of normalcy to areas like downtown Srinagar.
Directly addressing the NC’s claims of worker killings, Sharma said, “They often say 10,000 workers were killed—but these killings happened during the regimes of Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah.” He challenged the NC to acknowledge their failure to protect their workers or to investigate potential collusion.
Sharma further accused the NC and PDP of releasing “miscreants” under the Public Safety Act (PSA), leading to civilian deaths, to appease separatists. He contrasted this with the BJP’s approach of detaining such elements.
Regarding the NC’s demand for statehood restoration, Sharma clarified, “Statehood is part of BJP’s narrative, not NC’s. Omar Abdullah should not mislead people. Statehood will be restored at an appropriate time.” He condemned the NC’s alleged attempts to incite religious sentiments in the Assembly, questioning, “Are they trying to create a communal divide?”
He also recalled past controversies, such as Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s release of separatist leader Masrat Alam, which NC workers reportedly celebrated.
Sharma maintained that terrorism has been significantly reduced, confined to remote areas. He stressed the BJP’s commitment to peace, citing the current stability and economic growth in the region. “Today, even the graves of NC leaders are protected by security forces. That speaks volumes about the progress we have made,” he concluded.
