BJP is soft towards separatists in J&K for electoral gains: Congress

JAMMU: Condemning the militant attacks that left 21 persons including 11 security men and eight militants dead yesterday, Congress today described them as 'act of frustration', even as it accused BJP of being soft towards separatists for electoral gains.

"We condemn the militant attacks on security forces and civilians. These are frustrated acts on part of those who through bullets want to defeat ballots but they do not know that the power of people is immense to foil any nefarious designs of such elements," Congress leader and state minister Sham Lal Sharma said while addressing public rallies in Akhnoor border constituency today.

He paid tributes to the martyr soldiers. Sharma accused BJP for being soft towards separatists for electoral gains.

"BJP has soft stand towards separatists and has joined hands with them to try political luck in Kashmir. The mounted pressure of gun wielders and Pak-patronised forces was caused by BJP's friendly gestures since Pakistan only understands language of strong actions," Sharma said.

He said some 'power-hungry people' with 'vested political interests' indulge in politics even over sensitive issues like revocation of AFSPA.

Sharma is the sitting Akhnoor MLA and is seeking re-election from the seat. Claiming that he has a development agenda, Sharma said providing good governance can help the state and the people achieve a prosperous future.

He claimed he has implemented several development schemes for his constituency. Sharma said his opponents, dejected with their certain defeat in the election, may indulge in dirty political gimmicks.

The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a better deal and Congress alone has a concrete development agenda like setting up Regional Development Council which will be the beginning for decentralisation of power.