MUMBAI: In a strongly-worded editorial, Shiv Sena (UBT) through its mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Kashmir policy, asserting that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir remains far from eradicated. The party blamed the “atmosphere of religious hatred” created in the country for the deteriorating situation.
The editorial stated, “Threatening Pakistan will not solve the issue. These threats merely please PM Modi’s devotees. Pakistan’s back was claimed to be broken, yet in Pahalgam, terrorists struck the so-called saviours of Hindus.” It further alleged that empty threats and warnings by PM Modi and other leaders have done little to prevent terrorists from crossing into India and attacking innocent civilians.
Highlighting the failure of intelligence agencies, the editorial noted, “After Pulwama, the Pahalgam attack marks another massive intelligence failure. Where is the National Security Advisor who acts like James Bond? PM Modi claims the country is safe under his rule, but reality says otherwise.”
The editorial accused Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah of making false promises, pointing out that after demonetization and the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism has not diminished. Instead, rivers of blood continue to flow in Kashmir.
Since 2019, according to ‘Saamana’, 197 security personnel, 135 civilians, and around 700 suspected militants have been killed in Kashmir. It stressed that the promises made to Kashmiri Pandits during the 2014 elections remain unfulfilled, and that Hindus are now fleeing the valley in fear.
The editorial did not spare Amit Shah, stating, “The Home Minister uses police and intelligence agencies for political gains, toppling governments instead of focusing on national security. Meanwhile, Hindus continue to die.” It further added that Shah should resign, taking moral responsibility for the killings in Pahalgam.
Drawing attention to the recent attack, the editorial detailed how terrorists in Army uniforms targeted over 2,000 tourists in Pahalgam, an area lacking adequate security. It questioned the government’s negligence in leaving tourists vulnerable in such a sensitive location.
Reminding the BJP of its 2019 manifesto promises, the editorial said, “The BJP celebrated the removal of Article 370 but left Hindus helpless in the valley. The Kashmir issue has been politicized, with blame continuously being shifted to Congress and Nehru, while Modi himself has ruled for a decade now.”
Quoting former Governor Satyapal Malik, the editorial argued that the Pulwama attack was the result of government negligence, and the Pahalgam tragedy is no different.
In conclusion, the Shiv Sena (UBT) firmly reiterated that PM Modi’s Kashmir policy has completely failed, and that religious hatred has only worsened the crisis in the region.
