BJP Leader Ashok Koul Strongly Condemns Targeted Killings in Jammu and Kashmir, Expresses Confidence in Party’s Victory in Assembly Polls
On Monday, BJP leader Ashok Koul expressed strong condemnation for the tragic killing of a retired police officer in the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. He assured the public that those responsible for targeted killings in the valley would be swiftly brought to justice. During a press interaction following a party event, Koul conveyed his confidence in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s ability to secure over 50 seats in Jammu and Kashmir during the upcoming Assembly polls in the Union Territory.
Emphasizing the commitment to address the issue of targeted killings, Koul stated, “Our administration will root out those responsible for such incidents and ensure they face justice. We strongly condemn these targeted killings, and the perpetuators of such attacks will soon be eradicated by the administration.”
Regarding the recent tragic incident involving the killing of retired superintendent of police Mohammad Shafi Mir while he was calling for “azaan,” Koul underscored the intolerability of such acts in any religion. “The SP was killed in Baramulla while he was in a mosque calling for azaan. Such an act is condemnable and goes against the principles of any religion,” Koul asserted.
Responding to inquiries about the security situation, Koul noted that while recent attacks have targeted security personnel, individuals from various walks of life have also fallen victim to terrorism. “It’s not just the police being targeted; others have also been victims. However, there has been a recent focus on attacks against police personnel,” he added.
When questioned about the BJP’s prospects in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, Koul expressed optimism, saying, “Our focus is on hard work, and the results will follow. We are confident, based on our track record, that we will secure more than 50 seats out of the 90 in Jammu and Kashmir.”
On the matter of engaging in talks with Pakistan, Koul did not provide a direct response but highlighted the efforts made for friendly relations. He referenced former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Lahore and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unconventional journey to meet Nawaz Sharif in Kabul. Despite these efforts, Koul recalled the unfortunate incident of the Pathankot attack occurring shortly after Modi’s return from Pakistan.
