BJP leader pitches for Army's redeployment in JK's Chenab valley

The BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta Sunday advocated redeployment of Army and strengthening of village defence committees (VDC) in Chenab valley of Jammu and Kashmir, claiming the recent assassination of a party leader and his brother in Kishtwar was part of a strategy to restart terror activities in the region.

"To check the rise of militancy in Chenab valley, Army needs to be redeployed...I will be discussing the issue with Union minister Rajnath Singh," Gupta said addressing a function here.

State Secretary of BJP Anil Parihar and his brother Ajeet Parihar were assassinated by suspected militants in a late night attack in Kishtwar town on Thursday while they were on way to their home.

Gupta said he along with other senior leaders visited Kishtwar and every person there was asking for the safety of Hindus residing in the area.

Chenab Valley lies between the middle and outer Himalayan range and is divided into three districts - Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar besides two constituencies of Reasi.

The valley also touches the Anantnag district of Kashmir.

Chenab Valley comprises three districts, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar of Jammu and touches the Anantnag district of Kashmir. Once a hotbed of terrorism, the valley has been peaceful after security forces purged the ultras from that area.

Referring to the assassination of the Parihar brothers, he said "this is well planned strategy of the pro-Pakistan Hurriyat and its allies to restart terror activities in the Chenab Valley."