A day after a ruling BJP legislator called for an “aerial attack on terror camps” inside Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Opposition National Conference (NC) staged a walkout in the Assembly on Tuesday, while asking the government to spell out its stand on the new war cry.
“Instead of spelling out measures to combat violence, the ruling BJP is indulging in jingoism and playing to the gallery by resorting to war hysteria. The government must come out with a statement,” said NC legislator Devender Singh Rana in the House.
‘Lust for power’Referring to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Rana said, “What is the response of the party that believed in ‘ Goli Se Nahi Boli Se. ’ Has the PDP surrendered its basics for the lust of power?”
“J&K has witnessed havoc in the border skirmishes. To ensure no escalation takes place, the BJP, being a partner in the government in J&K and ruling party at the Centre has more responsibility,” Mr. Rana added.
Mr. Rana’s statement sparked a heated exchange with the BJP members. The NC MLAs walked out of the Assembly in protest against “the government’s failure on taking the House into confidence on measures to ensure safety of the people”.
On Monday, BJP legislator Ravinder Raina demanded action against Pakistan “for the attack on the CRPF”, which left eight jawans dead.
Cross-border firingMeanwhile, the government on Tuesday revealed that 11,270 cases of cross-border firing had taken place from 2002-2015, which resulted in the death of 169 civilians and injuries to 735 in the State.
It claimed that 2013 saw a surge with 229 cases in the border firing incidents, resulting in the death of 12 security personnel.
In 2015, 222 cases of cross-border firing left 16 civilians dead and 71 injured.
