‘Back CB in Asifa probe’ Madhav tells state cadre

TNN Bureau. Updated: 3/17/2018 10:15:11 AM Front Page

JAMMU : BJP’s point man on Jammu and Kashmir Ram Madhav who arrived in state on a two-days visit on Friday is believed to have asked the state cadre to support the ongoing probe by the crime branch in the brutal rape and murder of 8-year-old girl Asifa Bano in Kathua, even as he termed the sacking of finance minister Haseeb Drabu as PDP’s internal matter.

Madhav, National general secretary of party, also halted at Srinagar before coming to Jammu and met BJP general secretary for Baramulla district Anwar Khan who survived a terrorist attack in Pulwama district on Thursday, in which his personal security officer (PSO) was injured.

In Jammu, Madhav, while virtually dismissing the calls of a CBI probe in Rasana incident, allegedly supported by some of the BJP leaders, asked the cadre to support the crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir police in its investigation.

“You are running the government. It shows you don’t trust your own government,” a senior BJP leader quoted Madhav as saying during the closed door meeting with party leaders at the party office, here.
Some of the BJP legislators and ministers had been supporting the Hindu Ekta Manch’s demand of CBI probe into the brutal rape and murder of minor girl. The HEM has been agitating over the arrest of accused and demands their release and CBI probe into the incident.

“Such a heinous crime should not be seen with any disparity. Crime is crime,” Madhav told state leaders.
Talking to media after the meeting with state leaders, Madhav said sacking of Drabu from the council of ministers is internal issue of PDP.

“There is no rift in the government,” he said. “We will take up issues of granting Nowshera district status and handing over Asifa’s case to CBI with PDP,” he said.

Another issue that concerned Madhav’s visit is the current situation in Nowshera, where people have been protesting against the government, demanding granting of district status to the town.

A BJP leader said the party leaders apprised Madhav about resentment against the party in Nowshera.
“Kotranka (in Rajouri) was given ADC post without consulting BJP even as we are in alliance with PDP. This step has angered people in Nowshera-Sunderbani-Kotranka”.

The BJP leaders expressed concern over attitude of some of PDP ministers due to which party’s image has been hit in Jammu region.

Besides, the issue of stay of Rohingya migrants in Jammu has the two parties pulling in different directions.

“A team of State BJP leaders went to Delhi two days ago and apprised the party headquarters about the political dynamics in J&K. Madhav has come to get the party leaders’ feedback,” said a BJP leader on the condition of anonymity.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has invited legislators to her Srinagar residence on Saturday. “It’s a routine meeting,” said a PDP leader.

The PDP recently witnessed an upheaval after Mufti dropped senior party leader Haseeb Drabu as Finance Minister.


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