BJP responsible for the grave incident: NC

Srinagar: The Legislative Assembly Saturday witnessed uproar during the Question Hour over the attack of Kashmiri drivers allegedly by BJP workers in Udhampur district of Jammu region.

While the Opposition National Conference accused ruling BJP for the attacks, PDP condemned the attack.

Two Kashmiri truckers suffered serious burns when activists of the right-wing BJP allegedly attacked a truck with petrol bombs in Udhampur district on Friday.

Reports said three Kashmiri people were sleeping in the truck when it was set on fire, a day after, purportedly, three cows were killed in the area that led to protests by members of the Hindu community and a complete shutdown.

As soon as the House started its proceedings in the morning, NC legislators created uproar, saying that Kashmiris were being harassed by the right-wing groups in different parts of India.

NC legislator, Abdul Majeed Larmi, said the government must answer the House that why Kashmiri drivers were attacked.

He demanded that the government must state what action has been taken against the culprits.

NC general secretary, Ali Mohammad Sagar, while referring to an attempt to hoist BJP flag in Lalchowk on Friday and attack on Kashmiris, said the BJP was repeatedly provoking Kashmiris to vitiate the atmosphere in the state.

“BJP is involved into the Udhampur attack on Kashmiris. Do you want to fan the communal tension in the state?” Sagar asked BJP legislators, who were present in the Assembly.

This led to heated arguments between NC, Congress BJP and PDP members.

The ruling PDP while condemning the attack said three persons were arrested and FIR has been filed into the incident.

PDP minister Abdul Rehman Veeri replied on behalf of the government and said that police has registered a case and three persons- Bala Bahadur, Sunder Sing and Sunil Singh-were arrested. He said the manhunt has been launched to nab other accused.

He said an FIR under 368/2015 under sections 307, 336, 437, 147 and 148, 120 B and 427 has been registered.

Explaining the occurrence of the attack, Veeri said:“At around 11:45 pm yesterday some miscreants attacked three Kashmiris with some combustible material, but two people Showkat Ahmad and Zahid Ahmad received injuries. They were rushed to Udhampur hospital from there they were referred to Jammu Medical College,” Veeri said.

The minister said Zahid Ahmad has received burn injuries and was being hospitalized but third Kashmiri Rameez Ahmad, who was driving the truck had escaped unhurt.

Howerer, he said the government will bear the expenses on their treatment. He condemned the attack and assured the House that strict action will be taken against the culprits.

On this Sagar said, “When BJP people were involved into the attack then what action we will expect from the government.”

Not contended with the reply of the government, the Opposition NC, Congress and some Independent legislators walked out. (KNS)