Pakistan-backed separatists fomenting trouble in Jammu: BJP

Jammu, Aug 14: BJP today claimed that attempts were being made by Pakistan-backed separatist leadership of the Valley to stir trouble in the "peaceful" areas of Jammu to portray that the people of the region support them.

"It is a well known fact that Pakistan is not able to digest the peace and tranquility that prevails in this border region...and has been desperately trying to spread the arc of Wahabiyat and jihadi terrorism in south of Pir Panjal with active collaboration of Hurriyat," BJP state president Sat Sharma said.

He said taking advantage of the ongoing unrest in Kashmir, hostile elements want to fan trouble in "peaceful areas" in order to portray it as support for the unrest in Valley. Sharma advised the state government to act firmly against such elements so that they are unable to succeed in their evil designs and the areas remain peaceful.

Condemning yesterday's grenade attack in Poonch, he said, "The grenade attack near the Akhara Camp in Poonch targeting Hindu pilgrims heading for Buddaha Amarnath is a clear attempt to disturb communal harmony in the area and to discourage devotees from undertaking holy pilgrimage of Buddha Amarnath."

"The cadre of BJP will fight all such elements tooth and nail and would provide full cooperation to the administration in maintaining peace in the area," he said.

Sharma said some miscreants have posted hand-written posters with the slogans "Go Back" aimed at creating fear among the local population ahead of the Independence Day celebrations and urged police and civil administration to nab miscreants before they fuel trouble.

Condemning Pakistan for today's unprovoked ceasefire violation, Sharma asked the neighbouring nation to take care of the trouble brewing in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan. "The demand for freedom from illegal occupation of Pakistan is gaining momentum in those areas and we are behind the people of all Pak occupied areas," he said.

PTI