Cowardly acts of terror can't hurt our nationalism: Naqvi

Speaking exclusively to ETV Bharat, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said acts of terror like the killing of three BJP workers in Jammu and Kashmir, would never succeed in depleting the morale of citizens and reducing their nationalistic spirit.

New Delhi: Condemning the killing of three Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Friday said such cowardly acts of terror will not be successful in depleting the morale of citizens.

Speaking exclusively to ETV Bharat, Naqvi said, "History is witness that such cowardly acts can never reduce our nationalistic spirit. The powers behind such terrorist activities are being exposed, and steps will also be taken against them."

"We are sad with the demise of our partymen, but there is no feeling of hopelessness," he added.

Naqvi said that the admission of Pakistan Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry of his government's role in Pulwama terror attack reiterated what the world already knew -- that Pakistan has forever been involved in spreading extremism.

Hitting out at the Opposition, Naqvi said that those questioning the government and forces must now apologise to the nation.

Read:Terrorists shoot dead three BJP workers in South Kashmir's Kulgam

"In India, the Congress was asking for proof. The Congress, which has been projecting Pakistan as its model nation, must now answer. After the admission by Pakistan, why are they silent?" he questioned.

On the opposition's calls for the restoration of Article 370, Naqvi said it was a part of history.

"Article 370 is now buried miles deep. It is history and will never come back. With Article 370, even the problems of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have gone away," he said.

The Union Minister further defended his party raking up the Article 370 issue in the campaigning in Bihar.

"Is Jammu and Kashmir not a part of India? What happens in India, will obviously be felt in Bhar as well," Naqvi said.

Read:Scores attend last rites of slain BJP workers in Kulgam