Won’t let ‘ugly’ Hindutva thieves use lithium reserves: J&K terror group issues warning

The discovery of lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir is a major find as the India government looks to boost production of electric vehicles in India

New Delhi, Feb 14: The Anti-Fascist Front (AFF), a terror group has issued a warning in the wake of lithium reserves being discovered in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, the AFF's spokesperson said that under no circumstances will it allow the 'exploitation' and 'theft' of the resources of Jammu and Kashmir.

"These resources belong to the people and should be and will be used for the betterment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir," the statement read.

"People'sAnti Fascist Front wishes to reassure the Nation of Jammu and Kashmir that under no circumstances will we allow the colonial exploitation and theft of resources of Jammu and Kashmir at the hands of the ugly Hindutva thieves. These resources belong to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. No ugly Hindutva thief will be allowed to steal our resources and then kill us with the same. We will attack Indian companies that dare to venture into the troubled waters of Jammu and Kashmir not only inside Jammu and Kashmir, but also inside India and those who know us know that we will go to any lengths to fulfil our word,' the statement read.

Lithium reserves in Jammu and Kashmir:

Jammu and Kashmir is known to have significant deposits of lithium, a metal that is used widely in the production of batteries for electric vehicles.

The Indian government recently announced that it has plans to develop lithium reserves in the region as part of its efforts to promote the domestic production of electric vehicles and reduce the dependance on imports.

The Union Ministry of Mines said on Thursday that it had discovered 5.9 million tonnes of lithium resources in the Salai-Haimana area of Rassi district in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first major lithium reserve that has been found in India. A survey led by the Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research showed the presence of lithium resources of 1,600 tonnes in the Marlagalla area of Mandya in Karnataka last year.

The supply of lithium is essential as the government plans to meet the decarbonisation goals by boosting the sale of electric vehicles in the country. Lithium is a rare mineral and essential component in rechargeable batteries which is used in electric vehicles, smartphones and laptops.