Srinagar, June 19: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday pulled out of its alliance with the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party (JKPDP) in the state citing security and discrimination as reasons. As BJP J&K in-charge Ram Madhav announced the big split on Tuesday, he traded several charges against the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP. (What next for Jammu And Kashmir)
Ram Madhav on Tuesday said that free speech was under threat in the valley. "Terrorism, violence and radicalisation have risen and fundamental rights of the citizens are under danger in the Valley. Shujaat Bukhari's killing is an example," he said while briefing the media.
The BJP said that the party also split over development and peace maintaining issues in Jammu and Kashmir. Madhav also added that the Ramzan ceasefire was not accepted by separatists in the state.
"Centre did everything for the Valley. We've tried to put a full-stop to the ceasefire violations by Pak. PDP has not been successful in fulfilling its promises. Our leaders have been facing a lot of difficulties from PDP in developmental works in Jammu and Ladakh," Ram Madhav said.
It is being said that Shujaat Bukhaari's killing was the last straw. Bukhaari was shot dead along with two police personnel in Srinagar by three men on motorcycle a day before Eid. On the same day, Indian Army jawan Aurangzeb was abducted and killed by terrorists in Shopian while he was on his way back home (Poonch) for Eid.
The BJP has demanded Governor's rule in the state. "Keeping in mind larger interest of India's security and integrity, fact is that J&K is an integral part of India, in order to bring control over the situation prevailing in the state we have decided that the reigns of power in the state be handed over to the Governor," Madhav said.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 19, 2018 03:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).