BJP leader threatens Kashmiri journalists, reminds of Shujaat Bukhari's fate
What's the story
Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Lal Singh stoked a controversy as he warned Kashmiri scribes to draw a line and reminded them of the death of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari. Singh, who earlier resigned from former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti's cabinet for supporting Kathua rape's accused, made these remarks on Saturday. Notably, a few days back, Rising Kashmir's editor Bukhari was gunned down by terrorists.
What he said
Lal Singh accused journalists of creating 'erroneous atmosphere'
During a media interaction, Singh accused Kashmiri journalists of creating 'an erroneous atmosphere'. "I would like to ask them (Kashmiri journalists) to draw a line...You want to live like what happened to Basharat (Shujaat Bukhari)," he said. He asked them to ensure 'brotherhood is not broken' and Kashmir's development is ensured. "Take care of yourselves and draw a line," he said.
Twitter Post
Here is Singh's controversial speech
BJP leader Lal Singh Chaudhary says in Jammu, "journalists of Kashmir created a wrong environment there. You should draw a line in journalism, so that brotherhood is maintained there is progress" (22.06.18) pic.twitter.com/8TXaU3rPaZ
— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2018
The murder
Bukhari's cold-blooded murder sent shock waves across nation
The death of renowned journalist Bukhari, just days before Eid-ul-Fitr, had sent shock waves across the nation. Bukhari was known for his efforts to restore peace in the valley. In fact, BJP's Ram Madhav said Bukhari's cold-blooded murder was one of the reasons the party pulled out of an alliance with PDP, that led to Governor's rule being imposed in the Northern most state.
The reaction
Soon, many condemned Singh's comments, PDP called for his arrest
After Singh's comments, former ally PDP's general secretary Mansoor Hussain Sohrawardy asked Governor Vohra for his arrest. "It is highly unfortunate that elements like him are allowed to roam freely," he said. National Conference said it was a clear threat and added, "We hope the law isn't subverted." Kashmir Working Journalists Association said, "The bullying statement made against Kashmiri journalists is unwarranted and condemnable."
Twitter Post
Omar Abdullah tweets Bukhari's death being used by goons
Dear journalists, your colleagues in Kashmir just got threatened by a @BJP4India MLA. It seems Shujaat’s death is now a tool for goons to use to threaten other journalists. https://t.co/LCLeWnHAK7
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 23, 2018
Looking back
Earlier, Singh drew criticism for supporting Kathua rape accused
Notably, Singh is not new to controversies. He blamed media for creating a wrong perception around the Kathua rape case. "It was portrayed that the entire Jammu region was siding with rapists," he had said. On April 13, he and his colleague Chander Prakash Ganga resigned from the government. Singh had demanded CBI investigation in the horrific rape of an eight-year-old girl.