Zero tolerance towards militancy in J&K: Singh

As separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat was arrested in Jammu and Kashmir, Centre on Friday said it was keeping a “close watch” on the situation in the state and there would be “zero tolerance” militancy and separatism.

Holding that the BJP-PDP alliance in the state was done “purely” for the sake of governance despite “quite divergent ideologies”, Union Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh said there would be no compromise on its principles.

The remarks by the Minister came after the arrest of Alam in connection with the raising of Pakistani flags during a rally in the state on Wednesday.

“The central government is keeping a close watch on situation in J&K. Union Home Ministry is keeping itself abreast with all the sequence of the events from time to time.

They are also giving most valuable guidance to the state of J&K,” he said.

“As far as BJP is concerned both at Centre and states, our stand has been very consistent as far as nationalism, patriotism is concerned. We follow a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism, towards separatism...The coalition, which has come in Jammu and Kashmir is purely for the sake of governance,” he said.

Mr. Singh made it clear that there would be no compromise on principles.

“There is going to be no compromise on principles, which are very close to our heart for 60-65 years... No body should get away with this impression that merely for the existence in government in coalition, the BJP would be ready to compromise on any of these principles,” Mr. Singh said.

The minister also noted that due to fractured poll mandate in J&K, BJP and PDP, which emerged as the two largest parties, came together to form a government to discharge democratic responsibilities “purely for the sake of governance” based on a common minimum programme.

“I am sure that with today’s experience also, both the parties will learn not to trespass into each other’s domain and ideological stands,” he said while hoping that both will instead concentrate their energies on issues of larger interest to the common man.

He also expressed hope that the two parties would “learn to agree on the issues on which we do not see eye-to-eye and not create these contentious situations from time to time.”