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| Azad's big 'no' to Kamal's clarification | | | Early Times Report
JAMMU/KATHUA, Nov 17: Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today refused to accept backtracking of Additional General Secretary of National Conference (NC) Dr. Mustafa Kamaal from the "India Enemy" statement.
Azad who was here in connection with two different functions demanded stern action against Kamaal for terming India as an "enemy" country. He rejected clarification given by Union New and Renewable Energy Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah and his brother Kamaal on the issue. Abdullah termed the utterances of Kamaal as "irresponsible".
He said "Kuch log Siyasi Khudgarzi kye liye, apnee siyasi garz kye liye, security forces ko Badnam karney kee jo koshish kartey hain who nakabiley bardhast hai." A person who himself is spokesperson of the party, uncle of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, should be punished for his "anti-India remarks", reiterated Azad. He said that Kamaal should not make too much noise about something which is of no consequence.
"I have seen the compact disc in which Mustafa Kamaal has clearly said that - he (Kamaal) had no hesitation in saying that India is our enemy country, Pakistan is not," the minister said on the controversial statement at a function. There is no question of the statement having been blown out of context as Kamaal later claimed, Azad said while speaking at the Ram Leelal Ground in Kathua.
"I condemn his remarks and ask National Conference (NC) to take action against the concerned leader of National Conference whose party is in power in Jammu and Kashmir," Azad said. He further elaborated that whosoever disregards security forces should desist from doing so. Advocating a 'bullet for bullet' approach to counter terrorism, Azad asserted that terrorists had to be neutralised as otherwise they would kill innocent civilians.
"How can you initiate talks with terrorists, who after attaining training from across the border, come to kill you. Either you have to kill him, otherwise you will be killed," said Azad. He added, "We may have talks with the neighbouring country but as far as terrorism goes there can be no tolerance and they should be dealt with a stem hand." He said the terrorists wanted to divide country on the basis of religion by targeting places of worship, emphasising that political parties should not politicise issue of terrorism, and that elections should be contested on the basis of policies and programmes.
Azad said that Jammu was privileged with its unique composite culture where people of all religions lived in complete peace, brotherhood and tranquility. Earlier, a simple gathering had assembled to receive him at Kathua on the eve of Martyrs Day, which is being celebrated in memory of those martyrs, who have laid down their precious lives during Kargil war while protecting mother land.
Speaking on the occasion, Azad said that during his two and a half year tenure as a Chief Minister of the State various mega and ambitious projects were launched, majority of which were completed during his tenure and hoped that other projects which are still in execution stage shall be completed very soon so that people of the State are benefited.
On the occasion, while welcoming the Union Minister, Choudhary Lal Singh welcomed the families of Martyrs and the Chief Guest. He said that all of us are safe in our homes because of the security forces which are guarding the boundaries. He said that the sacrifices made by the soldiers can never be forgotten and they are in our hearts.
Later, Azad gave away woolen blankets to the families of Martyrs. Azad further said that poor sections of the society are much concerned about development as all developmental activities not only provide them employment opportunities but also create all welfare facilities and assets for them. He said that those brave soldiers who have laid down their lives for protection of their country actually belong to same section of the society, who believe in protecting their country and have strong conviction of patriotism.
MP Lal Singh also spoke on the occasion. Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, ex-PWD Minister and MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammed Saroori, MLA Banihal Viqar Rasool, MLC Subhash Gupta, Cooperative Minister Dr. Manohar Lal and Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora were some of the prominent faces on the stage. A galaxy of intellectuals, political leaders, prominent citizens and people from all walks of society were present.
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