External forces behind J&K trouble, says Mehbooba Mufti

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday blamed the on-going crisis and violence in the state on “external forces”, naming not just Pakistan, but also China.

“Kashmir issue is not a law and order problem. It is happening because of external forces. The ongoing fight is a handiwork of ‘external forces’ and now unfortunately ‘China’ is also trying to meddle into it,” Ms Mufti told mediapersons after meeting Union home minister Rajnath Singh.

Her mention of China seemed to refer to the stand-off between the two countries over Doklam in Sikkim sector, and not specifically to Kashmir.

“Kashmir mein hum law and order ki ladaai nahi ladd rahe. Jab tak pura mulk, political parties saath nahi dega, tab tak ye jang nahi jeet sakte (The war we are fighting in Kashmir isn’t that of law and order. We can’t win this war unless different political parties and the entire country supports us),” she added.

Ms Mufti met Mr Singh in Delhi to discuss the law and order situation in the state and security for Amarnath pilgrims.  

During the meeting, that lasted nearly an hour, the chief minister briefed the home minister about the steps taken to maintain peace in the Kashmir Valley, and ensure the security of Amarnath pilgrims, sources said.  

It was after the meeting that she accused China of interfering in the state’s security situation. 

Speaking about the attack on Amarnath pilgrims, she said, “The attack was designed to create communal tension in the country. But I am grateful that the entire country, political parties and the Central government, especially the home minister, helped us in overcoming the tragedy.” 

Seven pilgrims were killed and 19 injured when a bus carrying Amarnath yatris was attacked by terrorists in Anantnag district on Monday.  

Security agencies engaged in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir have been told to implement security plans with full vigour, sources said. 

So far, more than 1.86 lakh pilgrims have visited the high altitude Himalayan shrine. As many as 21,000 paramilitary personnel in addition to state police forces and two battalions of Army have been deployed for security of the pilgrimage routes. The number of paramilitary personnel deployed this year is 9,500 more than last year.

Four districts in the state — Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag — have been on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016. 

The unrest resumed since the April 9 bypoll to the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat. Ms Mufti said the Jammu & Kashmir government had requested the Centre for ensuring that Article 370 should not get diluted as it is an emotional issue for the people of the state. “I am happy that the President in his order has reiterated that special status granted to the state would not be diluted,” she added.