Need to move above political differences: Shiv Sena downplays Kapil Mishra's comment

The Shiv Sena on Wednesday downplayed Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra's comments against Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, saying that at a time when the central government is taking all the needed steps to combat Pakistan sponsored terrorism, there is no need to pass such comments.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said it is necessary to forgo all political differences and stand united as a nation.

"AAP Minister's comment did not make any sense at this time, because at this time, the central government is taking all the needed steps to combat Pakistan sponsored terrorism. The surgical strike which happened in the past was aimed at fighting terrorism," said Raut.

"So now, to start this blame game is not necessary. At this time, all political parties should be united. We can have differences, but this is not the right time to make such statements," he added.

Mishra yesterday said that sharing stage with Mehbooba was an insult for him.

"This is the first time I met Mehbooba Mufti. I have asked her four questions. She once said that had they known that Burhan Wani was hiding, he could have been saved. They consider Afzal Guru a freedom fighter. If she does not answer, the BJP must answer as to why such people are coming to power who don't love the nation and aren't ready to recognise terrorists as terrorists," Mishra told reporters.

"We are electing such people who are not even ready to say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai.' I do not want to share any stage with her. Sharing a stage with her is an insult. I am not questioning Mehbooba Mufti's election; I am questioning her stand on this sensitive issue," he added.

Speaking at the launch function of the Bharat International Travel Bazaar (BITB), Mishra had said, "It does not work this way that we will not call Burhan Wani a terrorist but tourism will have to flourish in India. How will that happen? You will say Afzal Guru is not a terrorist and that he should not be hanged. How will tourism develop? It is not going to happen."

The Delhi Minister asked Mehbooba "if she considered Burhan Wani a terrorist." "It can't be that you don't accept Burhan Wani as a terrorist and then expect tourism to increase. Terrorism and tourism can't go together. (Union Tourism Minister) Mahesh Sharma said Kashmir is our pride, but terrorists are treated as tourists there," said Mishra.

"We can fight Pakistan, but how do we fight with people who give shelter to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

The AAP leader underlined that it is "painful" to see that "terrorists are being treated as tourists in Kashmir.