Mehbooba hits out at separatists for strike calls

Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday cautioned people of Jammu to be vigilant against elements "trying to communalise" the state's situation even as she hit out at separatists for their frequent strike calls in the Valley, saying it is affecting the economy.

"While there is a problem of militancy in Kashmir, many elements in Jammu are trying to communalise the situation. I want to tell our people in Jammu that communal tension is as dangerous as militancy and it causes same damage as the militancy," she said during her conclusion remarks of the five-week-long budget session.

Mehbooba urged people not give a chance to communal elements to vitiate the atmosphere.

"We took a big decision to have this alliance (with BJP) because of the Hindu-Muslim brotherhood in Jammu since ages," she said.

The Chief Minister said situation in the region was fragile and asked legislators, including Opposition, to play their part for creating a peaceful environment.

"From last 20-25 years we have faced many challenges. The people sitting here in the legislature and their families have rendered sacrifices to tread this path. The prime responsibility that we have is to consolidate the peace," she said.

Taking a dig at separatists, Mehbooba said their frequent strike calls on one issue or the other was affecting state's economy.

"Every day, they call for a strike on one thing or the other. If by God's mercy no civilian is killed in retaliation by security forces when they are attacked, they then call strikes on Sainik Colony or Pandit Colony issues. It is affecting our economy," Mehbooba said, without naming the separatists.