If detaining 200 people keeps peace in J&K, we will do it: BJP leader Ram Madhav

Senior BJP leader Ram Madhav today said some detained politicians in Kashmir are sending messages to people to take up arms and give sacrifices.

“I want to tell them, first give sacrifices yourself and then ask the people,” he said at gathering of BJP workers at Tagore Hall in Srinagar.

This was the first time a BJP leader addressed a gathering in Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 on August 5.

“If detaining 200-300 people helps in keeping peace, then let them stay there for a little longer,” he said.

He said there are only two paths left for J&K—development and peace.

”For that if we have to keep 200-300 people detained we will,” he said. “Whosoever becomes a hurdle, will be dealt strongly. There are many jails for such people in India.’’

He said there have been very few incidents of violence in Kashmir in the last few months.

Madhav said the revocation of Article 370 was initiated first by the Congress and Nehru had said it will vanish over time.

“Today it’s being referred to as sentiment,’’ he said. “Friends, there is no bigger sentiment than people’s sentiment.’’

He said it’s being said that after Article 370, jobs and land will also go. “Where will it go?’’ he asked, and stressed, ‘’Nothing will be done against the interests of the people.”

He said the jobs will go to the people of this region and cautioned people not to fall prey to propaganda.

“Utmost caution will taken for the protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s culture, heritage, jobs and education for youths,” Madhav said.

He said new leadership is the need of the hour and BJP is ready for it. “Nepotism and family rule have been the main reason for violence,’’ he said.

Criticising Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti, he said she is giving interviews on televisions. “Now, the third generation is taking over,” he said.

He urged people to open shops. “There is a huge rush on the roads. I was stuck in traffic jam at Batamaloo,’’ he said.