BJP Leader Breaks Ranks Over Demolition Policy
In a significant development from the Kashmir Valley, BJP leader Arshad Ahmad Bhat has publicly criticized the government's policy of demolishing properties belonging to families of alleged terrorists. The statement comes just four days after security forces razed the family home of Dr Umar Nabi, the prime suspect in the devastating Red Fort Metro station blast that claimed 12 lives in Delhi on November 10.
Questioning Collective Punishment
Bhat, who contested from Rajpora constituency in last year's Assembly elections, took to social media to voice his concerns. "Let us put an end to this demolition and blast policy and instead adopt stricter, more effective measures to deal with terrorism," he stated in his post that has sparked considerable discussion.
The BJP leader emphasized that families should not bear collective responsibility for individual actions. "A father of a terrorist cannot be called a terrorist or weighed on the same scale as his militant son," Bhat argued. "The same applies to other family members, they cannot automatically be held responsible."
Complex Reality of Kashmiri Life
Bhat described the complicated situation facing Kashmiris, noting that even the graves of prominent political leaders require security protection. "We Kashmiris live in a complex situation. Even the grave of NC's tallest leader, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, is guarded by security personnel and... the grave of the late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed," he observed.
The BJP leader expressed sympathy for families caught in such circumstances, stating "No mother or father ever wishes to see their child die early." His comments represent a departure from his party's usual hardline stance on security matters.
The demolition occurred on November 14 in Umar Nabi's hometown of Koil in Pulwama district. The two-storey house, which accommodated most of his family including parents, brother and sister-in-law, was blown up overnight after authorities moved residents to safety.
Umar Nabi, employed as an assistant professor in the general medicine department of Al Falah University in Faridabad, is accused of driving the explosive-laden car involved in the Delhi blast. Officials confirmed his identity through DNA samples collected from his mother.
Bhat also defended the medical profession against collective blame, stating "Our doctors are serving this country to the best of their capacity, whether in Kashmir or outside. Branding or generalising the whole fraternity is unfair."
This isn't the first time Bhat has taken independent positions. During his election campaign, he had distinguished himself from other BJP candidates by discussing issues of oppression, the Public Safety Act, and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, often using language reminiscent of separatist rallies.
