'Most riots' have occurred under Congress governance: Rajnath Singh

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Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Rajnath Singh on Tuesday criticized the ruling Congress Party for not being able to curb unrest during their regime, and said that the Kishtwar violence should be looked upon as a challenge to the country's sovereignty, rather than a result of communal tensions.

"I think everyone is aware that most of the riots have occurred under Congress' governance," Singh said.

"As far as the Kishtwar incident goes, I believe that it should not be taken as a conflict between two communities, but rather as a challenge to India's sovereignty. The state government and the central government should take on the issue in that way," Singh added.

Rajnath Singh's comment echoed Leader of Opposition (Rajya Sabha) Arun Jaitley's statement in Parliament on Monday, wherein he accused the Jammu and Kashmir Government of imposing censorship in the affected areas. "The issue relates to India's sovereignty and integrity. This country is still struggling to see how people of one section are selectively targeted," Jaitley said on Monday.

Earlier today, the opposition led by the BJP had created uproar on the sixth day of the second half of the Monsoon Session of Parliament over a demand to know why the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir had not taken prompt action to end the communally motivated violence in the state's Kishtwar District.

The Centre backed Abdullah, who stopped senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley from visiting the riot-hit areas yesterday, with Acting Home Minister P. Chidambaram defending the decision in Parliament.

Facing flak over the violence, Jammu and Kashmir's junior Home Minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo resigned yesterday. The resignation was used by Mr Abdullah to corner the BJP over Mr. Modi's role in 2002.

At least 11 people, including two policemen, have been arrested for the clashes which broke out in the Kishtwar, 150 km from Jammu. Curfew continues in six districts of the region.