‘We appreciate our alliance partner.. I see that as a confidence building measure’ says Naeem Akhtar
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday lauded the India’s political leadership, the judiciary, the media and the civil society for standing with the state government to ensure justice in horrible Kathua rape and murder case.
“The essence of India’s democracy lies in its robust institutions and it has been once again established that these institutions have the grit to ensure justice with all sections of the society cutting across the divide,” Mehbooba, who is also Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President said while addressing a meeting of the party legislators and leaders.
The Chief Minister commended the role of the people of Jammu for having discounted the divisive agenda of the rabid fringe elements and coming out with unwavering support for the little girl, said a statement issued today.
“It has strengthened my belief that Jammu serves as a model of inclusiveness and together the people of J&K inspire secular unity and righteousness,” she said and added that this serves as a cue that the people of Jammu and Kashmir can hold a beacon of hope for the whole country amid harshly polarized discourse.
Works Minister and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Naeem Ahkar “appreciated the support of alliance partner” Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kathua rape and murder case.
Speaking to reporters after the party’s meeting called in Srinagar to discuss the three years of alliance with the BJP and Asifa case, Akhtar said that they appreciate the support of the BJP, PM Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah in Asifa case.
“We appreciate our alliance partner who helped us in this case…they made the two ministers resign in the case. I see that as a confidence building measure. And if PDP and BJP continue to resolve their issues like this, I see there is no substitute to this alliance,” he said.
Earlier, the BJP had asked two of its ministers to resign from the cabinet, after they had attended rallies in support of the rapist. the BJP later said that both the ministers were ‘misled and misguided by a few people.’
“Is it a crime to get misled?” Meenakshi Lekhi, the BJP Spokesperson asked, adding that the people get misled and this can happen with anyone.
The main opposition party National Conference had said that they will consider a civil disobedience movement against the government if they fail to take action against the ‘erring ministers’.
Former chief minister Omar Abdullah also told CM Mehbooba Mufti to sack the two ministers the way she sacked former Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu.
Ganga, the Industries Minister, earlier had said that he was satisfied with the investigation of the Crime Branch and the culprits involved in the rape and murder case of the minor girl should be hanged.
