National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today strongly condemned the selectivekilling in the Kulgam of Chhattisgarh labourers in terror attack, describing it as abarbaric and inhuman act aimed at spreading fear and disturbing peace in Jammuand Kashmir.In a statement, Sadhotra demanded a thorough, impartial and time-boundinvestigation to bring the perpetrators, conspirators and their handlers to justice.
Expressing profound grief over the loss of life, Sadhotra conveyed hisheartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to thedeparted soul.
He said terrorism is a menace that has no place in a civilized societyand must be fought with resolve and determination. Sadhotra sought exemplary punishment for those responsible for theheinous crime, saying such acts strike at the very foundations of humanity andcannot be allowed to go unpunished.
Sadhotra endorsed the observations made by National ConferencePresident Dr. Farooq Abdullah that whenever the legitimate and democraticdemand for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir gainsmomentum, incidents of terror tend to occur, creating an atmosphere of fear anduncertainty.
He said the timing of such incidents naturally raises serious concernsthat warrant a comprehensive and credible investigation.Referring to the recent martyrdom of a police head constable in Anantnagand the latest attack in Kulgam, Sadhotra said these incidents have once againexposed the continuing security challenges despite repeated official assertions thatthe situation in Jammu and Kashmir has substantially improved.
He said that although people have gradually lost faith in investigations intoseveral major terror incidents, including the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks, itremains imperative that the truth behind every terrorist strike comes to light. “The people deserve answers.
Justice can be meaningful only wheninvestigations are transparent, credible and inspire public confidence,” he said.
Sadhotra questioned the repeated claims of complete normalcy in Jammuand Kashmir in the backdrop of recurring terrorist attacks.
He said the recentincidents raise serious questions about the prevailing security situation and calledupon the concerned to explain how such attacks continue to occur despite elaboratesecurity arrangements.
He said the Lieutenant Governor owes answers to the people over the spurtin terror incidents, particularly at a time when the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra isunderway and a comprehensive security grid is stated to be in place.
Expressing concern over the attacks in Anantnag and Kulgam, Sadhotra called for undertaking a realistic assessment of the security apparatus, identify anyoperational shortcomings and take effective corrective measures to ensure thatinnocent lives are protected.He also demanded adequate compensation and all possible assistance to thefamily of the martyr, saying no amount of compensation can replace a precious lifebut it is the responsibility of the government to stand firmly with the bereavedfamily in their hour of grief.
Reiterating National Conference’s commitment to peace, communalharmony and democratic values, Sadhotra said terrorism has to be defeatedcollectively and decisively.
He urged all sections of society to remain united againstthe forces that seek to disrupt peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir whileensuring that every act of terror is investigated thoroughly and every guilty personis brought to justice.