Kathua militant attack rocks J&K Assembly, Opposition seek explanation from govt

Jammu, March 20: The early morning terrorist attack in Kathua district rocked the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Friday with Opposition members seeking an explanation from the government on the incident.

The issue was raised by National Conference MLA Devender Singh Rana who wanted to know about the steps being taken by the government to thwart the attack. "The House wants to know how the militant attack took place, how the militants were able to launch this attack," Rana said.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh informed the House that two or three heavily armed militants managed to enter the Rajpora Police station in Kathua and were holed up in the police station.

"Police and CRPF has cordoned off the area and heavy firing is going on.A man has died and we are not sure if he is a civilian or a CRPF personnel. Ten people have been injured which include two policemen, seven CRPF men while one civilian and a policeman have been seriously injured," he said.

Opposition National Conference and Congress termed the answer "unsatisfactory".

2 or 3 heavily armed militants had managed to enter the Rajpora Police station

"What are you saying that you don't know that the man who has died can be either a civilian or a CRPF personnel. The government should have the information," said Rana. Ali Mohammed Sagar of the National Conference said, "People are dying and you have no information."

While condemning the attack CPI (M) MLA M Y Tarigami said that the House needs to show a united face in condemning such tragedies and expressed sympathy with the family of those killed in the attack.

"It's a tragedy and it should be debated here. The House needs to know what steps the government will take and has taken. Let's not get divided on the tragedy. Such tragedies are unfortunate and we should speak in one voice and condemn it," Tarigami said.

PTI