BJP takes exception to sedition charges against Katiyar, Singh

New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) The BJP today took strong exception to the slapping of sedition charges against its leaders Vinay Katiyar and Sahib Singh Verma, for demanding tough action against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and asked state Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to withdraw these 'false charges' immediately.

BJP President Rajnath Singh himself issued a statement in defence of these two leaders charged with Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code punishable with life, and section 153 A stoking enemity between two different group on grounds of race and religion. Is it sedition to demand tough action against terrorists in this country?, BJP Spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad asked the Prime Minister and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

He said by such action, the Government is only boosting the morale of the terrorists that those who criticise their actions will be charged with sedition, Mr Prasad said, pointing out to the killing of a large number of Hindus and Muslims with impunity in Jammu and Kashmir.

The UPA has acknowledged a spurt in terrorist killings and were getting active support from their patrons across the border.

Mr Singh said it was the constitutional right of any political party to protest against the gross mishandling of the scourge of terrorism and to institute cases of sedition for speaking against an unconstitutional and undemocratic manifestation of dictatorial mindset.

Mr Katiyar and Mr Verma, national office bearers of the BJP, have repeatedly explained the need to strengthen members of the Village Defence Committees to take on terrorists, and the government too was encouraging the plan.

While the government was seeking to penalise nationalist forces dumping charges of sedition, no action was taken against the leaders who were openly demanding a place for Pakistan in the Kashmir talks.

UNI MCN RA ND1738