The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised serious concerns about the operations of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Jammu and Kashmir. During a press conference in Srinagar on Wednesday, the party claimed that a staggering number of NGOs are active in the region, with many allegedly involved in activities that support terrorism.
Allegations of Rampant NGO Presence and Malpractice
Party spokesperson Altaf Thakur stated that nearly 16,000 NGOs are currently operating in Jammu and Kashmir. He posed pointed questions about their proliferation, asking why such a small region requires so many organizations, how they were established, and who granted them permission to function. Thakur emphasized that these entities have largely escaped proper scrutiny so far.
He drew a sharp contrast by revealing that on the official Bharat portal, only 239 NGOs from the region are formally registered. This significant discrepancy between the claimed number of operating bodies and the officially registered ones forms the core of the BJP's allegations.
Claims of Foreign Funding and Terror Links
Altaf Thakur made grave accusations regarding the funding sources for these organizations. He asserted that the party has "credible inputs" indicating most NGOs receive funds from foreign nations. The countries named include Germany, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, other Gulf nations, and Pakistan.
Furthermore, he claimed to possess "proof" that some of these NGOs are directly involved in terror funding. "If you have to bury terrorism in J&K, first of all you have to take action against the NGOs funding terrorism," Thakur declared. However, he did not publicly name any specific NGO or disclose which government department provided the BJP with the information about the 16,000 organizations.
Call for Government Action and Scrutiny
The BJP spokesperson concluded by urging the government to take immediate and decisive action. He called for a thorough investigation into all NGOs, trusts, and societies operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The demanded scrutiny would focus on two key areas: the original sources of their funds and how these funds are ultimately utilized.
This appeal underscores the party's position that regulating and monitoring the flow of money, especially from international origins, is a critical step in combating terrorism in the region. The allegations place a renewed spotlight on the governance and oversight of non-profit organizations in sensitive areas.
