BKU leader Tikait calls for arming Kashmiris to root out terrorism

BKU leader Rakesh Tikait emphasised the urgent need to eliminate terrorism and suggested that the solution lay in Kashmir itself. He also stressed the need for empowering patriotic locals to lead the fight against terrorism.

He appealed to the Union government to provide weapons to local citizens in Kashmir to combat terrorism, similar to the approach once adopted in Punjab. “Those who are committed to the nation must be provided with weapons. That is how terrorism was rooted out in Punjab and the same needs to be done in Kashmir. We must support them. A decisive action must be taken by the local people; otherwise, Kashmir will face devastation. The fight must be fought by the people of Kashmir themselves,” said Tikait.

Tikait visited the residence of Naval officer Lt Vinay Narwal, who was killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam in Kashmir on April 22, to express condolences. He met the family members, describing it as an irreparable loss for the family and the nation. “It is a moment of great grief, not just for the family, but for the entire country,” said Tikait. He demanded strict action against those involved in the attack.

Responding to the recent remarks of Naresh Tikait on the Union Government’s step of suspending the Indus Water Treaty, Rakesh clarified that there was no controversial statement from Naresh Tikait. He explained that Naresh was referring to the flow of water from Punjab through the Ghaggar river and questioned whether and how much water was actually blocked. He alleged that Naresh’s statements were being selectively edited and misrepresented.

Tikait reiterated his support for the government on the problem of terrorism. He said, “We stand with the government.”

He urged the government to take decisive actions and suggested symbolic measures such as banning the use of Lahori salt. “We must boycott products like Lahori salt. Decisions have to be made both by the government and by the people,” he said.

When asked about the statement by a Pakistani minister on an investigation from China or Russia or from the countries in the West about the role of Pakistan in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Tikait said, “We do not need any advice from Pakistan on how to conduct our investigations. We have enough agencies for that.” He said, “The nation will only be satisfied when strong, decisive action is taken.”

Haryana Tribune