BJP to reward those, killing militants in 'self defence'

Jammu, June 11 (UNI) Seeking to clarify the statements by party leader Vinay Katiyar and Sahib Singh Verma, the Jammu and Kashmir BJP today said that it will reward the civilians, including members of village defence committees who kill militants in 'self defence'.

State party president Nirmal Singh, addressing mediapersons here today, claimed that the Supreme Court has even ratified that action taken in 'self defence' was the fundamental right of any person. He also noted that the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) set up in the state can not be termed government agencies. ''These are civilians, armed to defend the villages from terrorists, and if they act against any terrorists attack, their action would be construed as 'self defence,'' he said adding that any civilian, including the VDC member would be rewarded by the party if he kills terrorists in 'self defence'.

Dr Singh said that both the senior leaders of the party had in their addresses during satyagraha, had expressed the emotions of state party leaders and workers and said nothing on their own.

He also issued the statement of Mr Katiyar in the press conference, in which he was quoted as saying that if any terrorist was killed by the VDC member and identified by the state government, police and Army, the party will honour him.

Mr Katiyar said that statement given by him in connection with Doda and Udhampur massacres, has created some ''misunderstandings,'' and he wanted to clarify that BJP as a responsible party, accords due respect to the constitution and never tried to violate it. He also accused the state government of not taking effective steps to curb the menace of terrorism.

UNI RKS VD KN1958