Fear grips BJP leaders, workers in Kashmir following rise in militant attacks

Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp rise in militant attacks on Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers this year. As a result, several concerns are being raised among those associated with the party.

Srinagar: Several BJP leaders and workers in Jammu and Kashmir have been subjected to militant attacks this year, leading to concerns and mounting fear among the party loyalists. While security has been beefed up at most of the BJP offices, party spokesman Altaf Thakur claimed, "We are in high spirits even though about 20 of our leaders have been killed in the last two years. It's a result of the militants' frustration due to the development happening in the Valley."

"It is not possible to provide security to everyone, but leaders from sensitive areas have been kept in hotels and other safe places. We have also requested the administration to review security to our workers and leaders. The youth are very happy with the development work done by the BJP here. The morale of our workers is stronger than the Himalayas," he said.

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Wasim Bari, a youth leader of the party, was killed in Bandipora area of ​​North Kashmir last year, following which a series of attacks had continued in the Union Territory. Recently, two party leaders were killed in Anantnag district of South Kashmir. On Thursday night, a party leader was attacked in Rajouri district.

Speaking on the issue, BJP leader Muhammad Yusuf Dar said, "The organisations that used to loot Kashmir are frustrated. These attacks do not weaken our resolve. When one is killed, 10 join." Meanwhile, party leaders working in various districts of Kashmir acknowledged that "there are fears and anxieties among the party workers."

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Ghulam Nabi War, the BJP sarpanch of Gandbarth village in Baramulla district of North Kashmir, said, "These attacks have created fear and anxiety. We are not able to work for our people. I am staying at a hotel here in Srinagar. I am safe but I am worried about my family and my people." Speaking further, he said, "I have not done anything wrong. I want to work for the people. I am allowed to go to the village for a while during the day but that is not enough. I have no complaints from the party but look how we are living."

Interestingly, in August last year, about 13 party workers had resigned after an attack on one Abdul Hameed Najjar of Budgam.