Srinagar, Sep 14 (KNO): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday said that the central government didn’t approach former chief ministers including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti for talks on conditions amid the prevailing situation in Kashmir.
According to KNO Correspondent, BJP National Vice-President and Incharge Jammu and Kashmir Avinash Rai Khanna, who is on four-day visit to Kashmir, told reporters here that the normalcy has returned in the Valley. “On Friday, I saw a number of street vendors in Srinagar and there was a huge rush of people too while the traffic was also plying normally,” he said, adding that the movement of people has started once again as there was satisfaction among the people over the decision taken by the central government on August 5.
Khanna said that there is normalcy in Kashmir and normal activities are going on. “The shops open only for come hours but I appeal the shopkeepers and other traders to resume their businesses again,” he added.
Asked about the continuous detention of mainstream political leaders, Khanna said they are under detention because of their deeds. “The history of 70 years is testimony to the facts that these leaders especially those belonging to two particular families have looted the public money and have only benefited their respective families only,” he said.
As per KNO Correspondent, he added that people here have been demanding inquiry against these leaders to ascertain all the deeds they have done in past 70 years. “I met many people so far and all are echoing similar views against the leaders and demanded action be initiated against them,” he told media persons.
However, Khanna denied the centre’s approach to Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti on condition basis, stating that such a development has never taken place during the current situation. “Centre never approached political leaders for conditional talks,” he said.
Khanna further said that recently launched apple scheme for farmers will benefit the people associated with the trade.
Notably, a team of BJP leaders headed by Avinash Rai Khanna arrived Srinagar on Friday for four-day visit. Khanna is scheduled to hold deliberations with his party members as well the people affiliated with it. He will also hold meetings with several delegations and try to douse the anger prevalent after abrogation of Article 370.
Sources said that sending Khanna to Kashmir for people to people contact is party’s decision, adding that the leader will assess the ground situation and is likely to talk to several delegations.
They said BJP is seeking a breakthrough in the present circumstances and sending Khanna to Kashmir is part of the mission. Party’s senior leader Sunil Sharma and others are part of the delegation led by Khanna.
The situation in Kashmir got deteriorated following the abrogation of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir division into two Union Territories by the BJP government in centre on August 05, 2019. (KNO)