Shiv Sena denies 'targeting' Centre over Kashmir unrest

The Shiv Sena on Monday defended its party chief Uddhav Thackeray's demand of proclaiming India a 'Hindu state', saying they are not attacking the government and have just put forward their views as allowed in a democracy.

"Kashmir is a symbol of nationalism. It's our pride. It is a very sensitive subject for us. Kashmir is an integral part of India and, therefore, it doesn't suit for a country like ours that the people of Kashmir are being targeted. Whatever is happening in Kashmir is not right," Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut told ANI.

"So, if we have put forward our views, why is it being taken as an attack on the government? It is our government and we can put forward our views in democracy," he added.

Amidst the ongoing tensions in Kashmir, Thackeray had yesterday demanded that India should be proclaimed a 'Hindu state'.

Firing a fresh salvo at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Government, he had questioned the Centre's handling of the Kashmir situation and accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of 'failing' Hindus, while noting that a 'hazy situation' was prevalent in the country.

"Who is accountable for this (Kashmir situation)? Amarnath Yatra has been suspended, Hindus are being beaten, jawans attacked. Everyone had hoped that after a change in government, the scenario would change," Thackeray said.

The remarks came amidst times when Kashmir is under boil after killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter on July 8.

With a constable and a civilian succumbing to injuries on Sunday, the death toll in the ongoing unrest in Kashmir climbed to 47.