'Those exploiting Kashmir situation to be severely dealt with'

Coalition partner in the Jammu and Kashmir government BJP today said those trying to exploit the situation in the Kashmir Valley would be strictly dealt with and asked the Opposition "not to fish in troubled waters".
"Glorifying a terrorist who took up guns against India and its people is in no way acceptable. Those trying to exploit people's sentiments would be severely dealt with," BJP chief spokesman for the state Sunil Sethi told reporters here.
Clashes between security forces and civilians in the aftermath of the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on Friday have left 23 people dead in the Valley.

Sethi said Opposition parties should cooperate with the government instead of fishing in "troubled waters", claiming that people were being instigated by separatists and those with vested interests who want to disrupt the ongoing Amarnath Yatra and the tourist season.
"People are being instigated and forced to take to streets and target securitymen. Political parties with some clout in Kashmir should play a constructive role and should not instigate the people. Instead, they should play a role in calming down tempers," he said, appealing to parents not to allow their wards to join protests.
While welcoming the statement of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti appealing to mainstream as well as separatist political parties to help diffuse the situation, the BJP spokesman said his party would not make such an appeal to separatists.

"Separatists are trying to exploit the situation and forcing the people to come out. The BJP will not make any appeal to them but as they claim to be well wishers of the people of Kashmir, their actions are provoking and killing them," said Sethi.

He appealed to the mainstream political parties to stand with the government in diffusing the situation.
Claiming a conspiracy to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra, he said pilgrims from various parts of the country were unable to proceed towards the cave shrine.
"BJP will not let anybody disrupt the Amaranth Yatra at any cost. It is a religious ritual as people from various parts of the country have come to Jammu for darshan of the cave shrine in Kashmir.

"We have launched a helpline at the BJP office to help the stranded pilgrims," said Sethi.