Early Times Report
Srinagar, July 12: After remaining under scanner for exclusive townships for migrant pundits and the debate over Article 370, the coalition will be keenly watched tomorrow (July 13), which is observed as martyrs day across Kashmir. Will BJP participate in the official function?
Sources close to BJP said a final decision has not yet been taken on the issue. They, however, admit that the leadership was worried and wanted to play it safe. But what options does it have?
If the BJP stays away from the official function, it will send wrong signals across the coalition. And, if it participates, how can it face the people of Jammu.
July 13 marks killing of twenty-two people by the soldiers outside Srinagar Central jail who had assembled there to witness Abdul Qadeer's trial. Qadeer was a butler with a Britisher and delivered a fiery speech on June 21, 1931 against the Dogra monarch, Maharaja Hari Singh. He was arrested and out on trial.
July 13 is a gazetted holiday in Jammu Kashmir. An official function commemorating he martyrdom is held every year. The function is usually led by the Chief Minister. The separatists also observe the day and this year Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik have decided to observe the anniversary jointly.
Tackling the separatists is not a big deal. Most of them have already been placed under house arrest and the rest shall be taken care of tonite, official sources said.
The PDP, they said is also worried over BJP stand. The opposition especially the National Conference, according to them, is all set to blow it out of proportion.
The BJP represents the Jammu region and the Jammu people, by and large have serious reservations with the way the day has been projected and observed over the years. But, the BJP is in the office for the first time in Jammu Kashmir. Official protocol, therefore, requires the BJP ministers and MLAs to remain present at the graveyard and offer floral wreaths to those who got killed by Dogra soldiers. It is a very difficult situation indeed for the BJP. |
