Forming government in J&K BJP's biggest mistake, not achievement

New Delhi, April 12: Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday said that BJP's forming a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir with the PDP was its biggest mistake as "the situation worsened in the state".

"This government has not done anything in three years. They (BJP) formed the government in Jammu and Kashmir. It is their biggest mistake, not their achievement.

"Because of their government, the situation has worsened in the state. They have failed in winning the people's confidence and work hand in hand with political parties of Kashmir... this is the reason why so many died during a bypoll," Azad told mediapersons here.

Eight civilians were killed and scores of others injured in firing by security forces as mobs tried to attack some polling stations in Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency during balloting on Sunday. The day also recorded a poor seven per cent voting in a bypoll -- the lowest in the state in three decades.

"They had promised one year back after visit by an all-party delegation to start the political process in the state. But no efforts have been made," he said.

The Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha said that during the earlier United Progressive Alliance rule at the Centre, three roundtable conferences were held, which 27 political parties attended, but there has been no follow-up.

"Emissaries who were sent had spoken to all stakeholders; they talked with people of Jammu and Kashmir and 27 political parties attended those meetings. There were three roundtable conferences. Eight to nine years have passed but there has been no follow-up on those," said Azad.

Asked about the stone-pelters in Kashmir who try to shield militants from armed forces, Azad said: "It might enrage some, but I will say this is wrong. This is absolutely wrong.

"The job of the Army is to protect civilians and the country. If they are trying to neutralise the militants, it is their job. They are doing it to protect the people," he added.

"It is not the right thing if due to stone-pelting a militant escapes," the senior Congress leader said.

The bypoll in Srinagar constituency -- spread across districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal -- was marred by widespread violence. Police said nearly 200 incidents of violent protests took place in central Kashmir.