An editorial in the Shiv Sena party organ, Saamna, purportedly written by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray strongly criticised the BJP’s alliance with the People’s Democratic Party in Jammu and Kashmir and condemned Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s statements crediting the Hurriyat and Pakistan for peaceful elections in Jammu and Kashmir, and for demanding that the remains of Afzal Guru be brought back to the Valley.
“Those who aware of the reputation of Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and his family may not have dared to have chai pe charcha, and that’s why we are stunned by the BJP’s courage, and doggedness in doing so. Of course, many times one has to swallow bitter pill for national interest, and this may be one of those decisions,” the editorial in Sena mouthpiece Saamana , published on Saturday, said.
“Mufti’s outlook was never nationalist. His role has been favouring independent Kashmir, and leaning towards Pakistan. As Home Minister in V.P. Singh’s government, his daughter was abducted, and two Pakistani militants had to be released in return to secure her release. This drama of abduction was staged with the consent of Mufti. A person acting as the country’s Home Minister was involved in this, and all parties including the BJP had expressed their suspicion about the abduction drama,” alleged the editorial.
“Sayeed’s sympathy always remained with the militants. Those whom Pakistan calls freedom fighters and martyrs of Kashmir are supporters of Mufti, and some of them have got elected from his party. When you look at all this, his recent statements do not surprise you,” the editorial said.
The editorial stated that the true credit for peaceful elections in Jammu and Kashmir should go to the Election Commission for bravely conducting them, for the people of J&K for braving the terror threats and queuing up to vote, and the ever vigilant army.
“By crediting Pakistan and militants, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed has insulted them. Demanding the remains of Afzal Guru is the height of anti-nationalism,” said the editorial stating that expressing sympathy for Afzal Guru amounted to disregarding the Supreme Court’s verdict, and the legal system.
“Ïf Mufti’s rants continue in this vein, India will have to pay a heavy price for it. Article 370 of the Constitution should now be scrapped,” the editorial said, suggesting that though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the government does not agree with Mr Sayeed’s statements, he should clearly state this in Parliament. “After all people only believe what is reported in newspapers and news channels,” it said.