BJP demands prosecution of Budgam stone pelters

New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday said it is important to identify the stone pelters in Budgam and prosecute them on charges of terrorism.

"It is important to identify those throwing stones. They should be prosecuted on a terrorism-related offence, not for throwing stones as they are helping terrorists. It is also needed to keep a tab on the social media. We should think about it," BJP leader RK Singh said.

Singh described it as a diabolical move and claimed people are being paid to carry out such operations in the valley.

"Clearly, the ISI is behind this and their supporters are in India. With their help, they organise these things. Separatists are also involved in this," he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the recent Budgam encounter should be taken seriously adding that a thorough investigation is needed in this matter.

"If they are taking money to do this, then, this is a very serious situation. This is not only an anti-national issue, but an attempt to submerge our nation, our democracy. Naturally, we should take action on this issue," he said.

Recently, three stone pelters were killed in retaliatory firing by security forces in Budgam.

At least 17 stone pelters were injured in the firing by forces.

The security forces had launched a search operation following a tipoff about the presence of terrorists, which then became an encounter.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has made a fervent appeal to locals of the valley not to obstruct security forces while they are combat terrorists.

Sources have held Pakistan responsible for the Budgam violence.