Jammu: Jammu Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary Thursday said that the martyrs (July 13 martyrs) of any community should not be insulted.
His comes comments come after BJP’s Sunil Sharma called the July 13 martyrs as “traitors,” a remark that sparked widespread outrage among regional political parties. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also criticised Sharma, calling his comments an insult to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. A protest by PDP members was also staged in Srinagar and the party has also demanded an official apology from Sharma and warned of intensified protests if corrective action is not taken.
He emphasised that while differences of opinion exist, it is inappropriate to speak ill of anyone. He asserted that monarchs worldwide were dictators who ruled without being elected by the people, unlike leaders in a democratic setup.
“Maharajas, including the one in Jammu & Kashmir, were not chosen by the people but inherited power. In contrast, leaders in a democracy, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are elected by the people, which is why he cannot be called a dictator,” Chowdhary said as per news agency KNT.
Sharma also took aim at the PDP, rejecting its request for support on a liquor ban bill. “PDP has its own agenda, and we are not going to be involved in it. When we get a bill, we will support our own, but why should we support PDP’s bill?” he said.
