PDP flays BJP Minister's remarks on stone-pelters

Jammu and Kashmir's ruling PDP on Thursday dubbed as "sickening" Industries Minister Chandra Prakash Ganga's comments criticizing protesters in the Kashmir Valley.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minister, while reacting to stone pelting by youths, reportedly said: "Laaton kay bhoot batoan se nahin maante." (Those who deserve kicks cannot be convinced by words).

He said some youths who shouted pro-Pakistan slogans chanted pro-India slogans after security forces beat them up.

PDP Vice President Sartaj Madni said in a statement: "These are disgusting utterances, which are not only unjustifiable but perilous as well. It is unbecoming of a senior minister to make such sweeping, sickening and intimidating statement against the Kashmiri youth."

Madni said the minister's statement had contravened the stand of the Cabinet that expressed anguish over the loss of lives in the valley.

The PDP leader said party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed entered into an alliance with the BJP in Jammu and Kashmir to bridge the gap between the people of different regions.

"Instead of bringing the people together, such insidious statements are unfortunately only going to widen the void," Madni said.

--IANS

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