BJP claims credit for Masarat’s arrest

New Delhi, Amid assertions that the BJP is with the PDP to provide good governance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and not for the sake of power, the BJP-ruled Centre is keeping a close watch on the situation developing in the Kashmir valley.
“As far as the BJP is concerned both at the Centre and states, our stand has been very consistent as far as nationalism and patriotism is concerned. We follow a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, towards separatism. The coalition, which has come in Jammu and Kashmir, is purely for the sake of governance,” Union minister Jitendra Singh said.
Meanwhile, calling it a law-and-order situation which is being dealt “ably” with the state government, BJP leaders claimed credit for quick action against separatist leader Masarat Alam even though they asserted that no pressure was exerted on the state government.
Amid attempts to play down the situation, sources indicated certain apprehensions that separatists-generated protests may extend and cast a shadow on the Amarnath Yatra.
This year’s Amarnath Yatra will be of 59 days duration, commencing on July 2 and concluding on August 29.
The “anti-India protests” on Indian soil — which are being slammed by rival parties — also has all the potential to rock Parliament when it meets next week.
The situation has landed the BJP in a difficult situation, testing its alliance with the PDP, with which it forged an alliance keeping aside its basic principles.
Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s decision to release Alam also attracted a lot of flak both from the Opposition in the first half of the Budget session, rocking Parliament and forcing the central government on a back foot.
Sources say the CM was forced to take action on Alam this time because of the pressure exerted by the government. “Given the strong sentiment prevailing, including among Hindu groups, we cannot be seen going soft on separatists,” they say.
Party leaders also agree that visuals of Pakistani flags and slogans on Indian soil have sent the wrong message across the country. But they also add that the “60-year-old problem will not be resolved by walking out of the alliance”.
May rock Parliament next week
The “anti-India protests” on Indian soil — which are being slammed by rival parties — also has all the potential to rock Parliament when it meets next week.