Attack on truck shocking reminder of intolerance, frenzy: Farooq Abdullah

Zahid Bhat was injured in a petrol bomb attack by miscreants at Shiv Nagar in Udhampur district

Opposition National Conference chief and former Jammu and Kashmir Farooq Abdullah today termed as a "shocking reminder of intolerance and frenzy" the petrol bomb attack on a truck in Udhampur and death of the victim Zahid Rasool Bhat, and said there was no room in the civilised society for those who believe in violence.

He expressed shock and grief over the 'unfortunate' death of Zahid Rasool Bhat, the victim of the attack, and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

"In a civilised society there is no room for those who believe in violence," Abdullah said in a statement here today.

Describing the attack on the truck as a shocking reminder of intolerance and frenzy perpetrated by elements inimical to peace and tranquillity, the former Chief Minister said the culprits should be identified, arrested and given heinous punishment as per law.

"The culprits should be identified, arrested and given heinous punishment as per the law so that it serves deterrent for law breakers," he said.

Abdullah said that 'divide and division' in the society was neither in the interest of the country nor the state, as these weaken the social fabric.

He expressed hope that the people will see through the sinister tactics of divisive forces and help in isolating the fringe elements, who pose grave threat to unity and tranquillity.

He also made an appeal to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain peace and tranquillity at all costs and not to allow exploiters succeed in their mechinations.

Abdullah accused the BJP of "encouraging jingoism and castigated the coalition government in the State in failing to deal with the situation".