J-K Governor warns politicos supporting separatists of consequences

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Mar 7 (ANI): The thin line differentiating the discourse between mainstream political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and separatists is "getting blurred", the state's Governor Satya Pal Malik said on Thursday and warned of "consequences" to those supporting violence and expressing sympathies with terror activities and separatists.
"I want to say to the mainstream political parties that they should exercise caution in their discourse, as fine line differentiating their discourse from the discourse of the separatists is fading. From the discourse of the last two weeks, it appears as though mainstream parties are standing in support of violence. It looks like they are in support of violence and terrorists," Malik told ANI.
"I want to make it clear that if any party leader, howsoever influential that person may be, if they choose to be on this path, then they too have to pay for it. They too will face the consequences because we have decided that we will not let this happen, that on one hand, you take benefits of democracy and at same time work to weaken it," he said.
The government recently banned Jamat-e-Islami under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for a period of five years.
Both the mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir have disagreed with the decision. While National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah urged the central government to reconsider the decision, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti warned that banning Jamat-e-Islami will have dangerous consequences.
"If you are a Jamat supporter, you join them and then get ready to face the same consequences what they are facing," Malik added.
Malik asserted that the government has decided to make Kashmir terrorism free.
"We have decided that we will make Kashmir terrorism free. I want to appeal to people that this is not a communal issue," Malik said.
Condemning the Jammu bus stand grenade attack, Malik said this was the reaction by anti-national and terrorists as they are losing their grip in the Valley.
A grenade explosion took place at the crowded bus stand in Jammu city on Thursday at around 11:58 am killing a 17-year-old boy and injuring 32 others.
"This is the reaction of anti-nationals and terrorists as they are losing the battle. The government has come down very heavily on these elements after Pulwama terror attack. The government has decided to eliminate terrorism. Nearly 170 people related to Hurriyat and those who support other organisations like this creating havoc in the Valley have been arrested. We have banned Jamat-e-Islami as it is a fountainhead of terrorism. In the name of charity and education, they radicalise and mislead the youth. It is not any noble organisation," Malik said. (ANI)