Jammu, Nov 15 (KNO): Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly, Sunil Sharma, on Sunday hits out at Congress of spreading misleading information over the killing of two Special Police Officers (SPOs) in Kishtwar, alleging that the party is attempting to shift blame from terrorists to the Army.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Sharma condemned JKPCC president Tariq Karra’s remarks suggesting that the Army had killed SPOs Rashpal Kumar and Babi Chand, saying the comments insulted the martyrs and their families.
Sharma said the two SPOs were on duty with the Special Operations Group (SOG) and were travelling to an Army post at Dharna-Marwah to relieve personnel deployed there, rejecting Karra’s claim that they were out hunting.
“Calling two martyrs hunters is an insult to their sacrifice and to their grieving families,” he said.
Rejecting the claim of mistaken identity, Sharma said the terrorists had taken away the SPOs’ rifles, magazines and ammunition. He also referred to the recovery of Pakistani-origin armour-piercing cartridges and police posters announcing a reward of Rs 30 lakh for information on three wanted terrorists.
“Does Congress want people to believe that the Indian Army killed our own policemen and then ran away with their rifles?” he asked.
Sharma further questioned Karra’s account, saying his remarks about the SPOs crossing both pickets contradicted the claim of mistaken identity, as the personnel were familiar with the local SOG men.
He also hits out at Karra of changing his position, claiming that on November 14 he had cited the killings as evidence of terrorism, while a day later he blamed the Army.
Sharma said making serious allegations based on “claims” and “reports” is irresponsible and could provide cover to terrorists and Pakistan’s propaganda machinery.
He said security personnel, SPOs and Village Defence Guards (VDGs) were guarding Warwan, Dachhan and Marwah in difficult terrain while pursuing the killers, and alleged that Congress's statements were demoralising the forces.
Sharma futher demanded that Karra withdraw his remarks and apologise to the families of the deceased SPOs, J&K Police and the Army. He also sought clarification from the Congress leadership on whether it stood with the security forces or supported Karra’s remarks.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir stand firmly with our forces. The terrorists behind this cowardly act will be hunted down and brought to justice,” he said.—(KNO)