In another shocking remark, a Jammu and Kashmir Minister has said that the only way to deal with stone pelters is bullets.
In another shocking remark, a Jammu and Kashmir Minister has said that the only way to deal with stone pelters is bullets. Jammu and Kashmir Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga has been quoted as saying, “Stone pelters are anti-nationals. We can’t be kind to these people. The only way to deal with such people is by bullets.” The comment comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is on the edge.
“They are traitors, whether they have come from Pakistan or live here. There is only one remedy for them and that is bullets. And if not bullets, they should be handed over such a punishment like the youth who are beaten with sticks by forces. Take my word that next time they (the youth) won’t throw stones,” he said according to a report.
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Ganga’s comments came at the backdrop of a video of Kashmiri youth assaulting CRPF jawans. Following this, another video was tweeted by former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah showing the Army using a Kashmiri youth as a human shield. The video showed a Kashmiri youth tied in front of an Army jeep and paraded.
There has been unrest in the Kashmir valley after violence during the Srinagar bypoll on April 12, during which at least eight people were killed.
There have been several incidents of stone pelting in the valley, during encounters between the security forces and terrorists, the last being the Budgam encounter. Three civilians were killed in Army firing after they pelted stones at the security forces in an encounter with terrorists in Budgam earlier this month.
Earlier this year, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had warned those obstructing encounters, saying, “Those who obstruct our operations during encounters and are not supportive will be treated as overground workers of terrorists.”
