Ram Madhav: 'Our security forces will deal with terrorists in J&K'

BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav on Saturday, October 26, said terrorists are finishing the "Jamhuriyat" in Kashmir and they are causing damage to the locals. While speaking to the media he said, "Pakistan is just trying to spread unrest across the valley by some or the other means and our security forces are giving a firm response". Speaking about the attacks on traders and truck drivers, he said, "By attacking the traders who come to Kashmir for work, the terrorists are actually harming the interests of locals. Our security forces will deal with such incidents firmly."

3 Apple traders killed in 15 days 

In the past 15 days, the terrorists have killed four non-locals, three out of whom were apple traders. According to the sources, the terrorists want to cripple the economy of Kashmir as apple trade is the mainstay of Kashmir's economy. More than 20 lakh people are directly or indirectly linked with the apple trade in Kashmir. In the past as well the terrorists have targeted the fruit trade in the valley, by setting several orchids on fire. The local fruit farmers are concerned about their livelihood being targeted by the militants.

Army Chief's clear message to Pakistan

On Friday, October 25, The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, while addressing a ceremony on the launch of the honorary postal stamp for Siachen Warriors sent a clear message to Pakistan and reiterated, “Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) is ours”. Talking about Article 370 as a temporary provision in the Constitution of India, the Army Chief explained that Gilgit Baltistan and PoK have always been a part of India. Sending a clear message to the “western neighbour” Pakistan, Rawat also said that PoK is being illegally controlled by them. General Bipin Rawat also asserted that PoK is under the control of terrorists.

READ | Home Minister Amit Shah: 'Kashmir is on the way to prosperity'

READ | Aarti Tikoo: 'Pak-sponsored terror in Kashmir ignored and overlooked'

General Bipin Rawat stated that “terrorists” who controlled Pakistan occupied-Kashmir (PoK) were attempting to disrupt normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir. He was explaining the potential benefits which the region could receive from the abrogation of Article 370. Furthermore, he cited the killing of apple traders and drivers hailing from other States. The COAS also castigated the terrorists for preventing children from attending school.

READ | S Jaishankar: Article 370 in Kashmir had 'raised the cost of business'

READ | London Mayor condemns plans of anti-India march over Kashmir on Diwali