Kishtwar violence: Chidambaram counters opposition criticism, defends Omar

Responding to allegations made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley who was stopped from visiting violence-hit Kishtwar, Finance Minister P Chidambaram today said it wasn't the right time for political leaders to visit the area.

"It wasn't the right time for Jaitley to visit Kishtwar. Only once the situation gets normal, will leaders be allowed to visit the area," Chidambaram told the Rajya Sabha.

"The army was called in after incidents of violence were reported, and no untoward case has been reported after armed forces stepped in," he added.

Chidambaram justified the steps taken by the Omar Abdullah Government in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Tension in Kishtwar is not related to terrorism; scuffles during a procession led to the violence," said Chidambaram.

"In view of the situation, curfew was clamped by the state government in eight districts of J and K," he added

Chidambaram also responded to Jaitley's jibe at him on how Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code should actually and correctly be applied.

"Section 144 is status neutral, gender and caste neutral; the decision lies with the district administration. The state government has made arrests and the arrests will continue," he said.

The Finance Minister further said the Centre will extend all possible support to state government for maintaining law and order.

"Let me assure this house that we will not allow a repeat of 1990, everyone will be protected in the areas they are in," he added.

An upset Jaitley earlier in the day lashed out at the Omar Abdullah Government, and said that Jammu and Kashmir is not the personal property of one family.

"The state of Jammu and Kashmir is not a personal property of one family. It is an integral part of India and you will have to decide how it will be governed," Leader of Opposition Jaitley told members of the Rajya Sabha.

"What if governments in BJP-run states start imposing Section 144 to prevent AICC leaders from entering their states? India is not a banana republic," he asked.

Jaitley, who was yesterday detained at the Jammu Airport on his way to Kishtwar, further demanded a through investigation of the entire incident so that the guilty are brought to book.

"The whole incident requires to be investigated. This is not an inter-community disturbance. It is not a law and order situation. It is a matter of India's sovereignty. Those affected must be compensated and the guilty brought to book," said Jaitley.

"Why have there been no arrests so far?" he asked.

Curfew continued to be in force in Kishtwar town on Monday due to prevailing tension in the wake of last week's communal clashes.

Educational institutions have been shut across the state and mobile internet services blocked after clashes took a turn for the worse on Sunday.

Apart from Kishtwar, seven other districts are under curfew, including Jammu and Rajouri, following acts of arson and violence.

Army personnel continue to patrol key areas to maintain law and order.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered a judicial probe into the clashes that have claimed the lives of three persons so far.