JAMMU: National Conference on Sunday lashed out at Bhartiya Janata Party for hoodwinking public opinion over the issue of Rohingya and Bangladeshis living in Jammu, saying instead of acting against the illegal settlers its leaders were playing to the galleries to hog the headlines.
“Who is stopping BJP led NDA at the Centre and PDP-BJP Government in Jammu and Kashmir to tackle with Rohingyas and Bangleshis”, National Conference spokesperson Madan Mantoo asked adding that his party has many a times sought deportation of the illegal settlers as per Foreigners Act from Jammu and Kashmir.
In this context, he referred to oft-repeated statements made by the Provincial President Jammu, Devender Singh Rana, seeking deportation of illegally staying Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in the winter capital as per the Foreigners Act. The spokesperson advised the BJP to tackle this sensitive issue sagaciously instead of indulging in politicking by generating euphoria. “Being at the centre-stage, both at the Centre and in Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP could have taken a call over the illegal settlers instead of repeatedly calling wolf”, he said, adding that the people would like to know as what and who is stopping them from taking action per law. The spokesperson termed the statement of a senior BJP leader and central minister over this issue as ambiguous, saying that a deliberate attempt is being made to vitiate the atmosphere. “Those in the government don’t demand probes but take action, being in command of the administration, unless there are some other intentions and motivations”, he observed
As regards the interests of the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir Refugees, who are bonafide state subjects, Madan Mantoo said it was the National Conference which recommended over Rs 9025 crore package for their rehabilitation in terms of one-time settlement, irrespective of caste, creed or colour. “But again the BJP played truant by reducing the packing to just Rs 2000 crore which is a crude joke with the PoK refugees”, he added.
The National Conference reiterated that it will always espouse the cause of the state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir and seek their dignified living in a peaceful atmosphere with opportunities of progress and development to all, irrespective of region or religion.
The spokesman decried the politics of hate and mistrust and hoped that being in the government; the BJP will adhere to Rajdharama and do justice with all, irrespective of caste, creed, colour, region or religion.