Government Must Prioritize National Interests Over Campaigns: Shiv Sena(UBT) in Saamana
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Synopsis
In its publication Saamana, Shiv Sena(UBT) condemned the government's approach post-Pahalgam terror attack, urging immediate action in national interest. They criticized political campaigning and emphasized the need for unity against terrorism rather than divisive narratives.
Key Takeaways
- Shiv Sena(UBT) calls for immediate government action.
- The Pahalgam attack should not be politicized.
- Criticism of the BJP's approach to national security.
- Highlighting the need to unite against terrorism.
- Calls for accountability from the government regarding Jammu and Kashmir.
Mumbai, April 25 (NationPress) Shiv Sena(UBT) expressed in its publication Saamana on Friday that the government needs to act swiftly in the national interest following the Pahalgam terror attack, rather than engage in political campaigning, subtly referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Bihar.
The editorial stated: "The Pahalgam attack is inhumane, but attributing this incident to Hindu-Muslim discord is even more inhumane. Our battle is with Pakistan and terrorist factions. Anyone attempting to tarnish the image of Indian Muslims and the Kashmiri populace demonstrates a lack of intent to resolve the nation’s issues and aims to politicize the Pahalgam incident like Pulwama."
It criticized the BJP's IT cell, stating, "While tourists are acknowledging the assistance provided by locals to those stranded in and around Pahalgam, it is alarming that the BJP's 'IT' cell is attempting to create divisions between Hindus and Muslims regarding this incident. The Pahalgam attack was not merely an assault on tourists; it was an attack on us. The Kashmiri community has shown their human emotions, expressing that we were affected by this incident, which must be recognized. Our struggle is against Pakistan and terrorist organizations."
"The nation has yet to recover from the shock of the Pahalgam terror attack. Approximately twenty-five lakh tourists have visited Kashmir due to the claims that terrorism in Kashmir has been eradicated, and this occurred without incident. There is widespread demand that every drop of blood and tears shed in Kashmir must be avenged, and justice should be served against Pakistan. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are implying that the Pahalgam incident should not be politicized. Since the occurrence of the Pahalgam attack, they have begun suggesting that the situation should not be politicized. Had these groups refrained from politicizing tragic events over the past decade, there would be no need for such appeals today. The Pahalgam attack is inhumane, brutal, and it must be avenged, but what does avenging mean?" questioned Shiv Sena(UBT).
"The country faces a genuine threat from those who believe that by voting for the BJP, electing Modi as Prime Minister, and only through that, ‘revenge’ will be accomplished, and that the Pakistanis will vanish. Revenge ought to be directed at Pakistan and the terrorists. Will avenging Pahalgam involve challenging the Muslims of our nation and attacking their mosques and madrasas? Some individuals are tempted to do so. The fight is against Pakistan, not against patriotic Muslims who are citizens of India," the editorial remarked.
"Following the Uri and Pulwama terror attacks, there were declarations of 'we will take revenge, we will rectify the situation.' There were impulsive reactions in Parliament and public meetings. As retaliation for Uri, a 'surgical strike' was executed on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. During that time, it was claimed that the backs of Pakistan and the terrorists had been broken, and that reparations were made, but this did not materialize," the editorial stated.
Shiv Sena(UBT) reminded that Indira Gandhi decisively defeated Pakistan in 1971, dividing it into two. However, the Pakistanis still pose a threat. What exactly does the PM Modi administration plan to do now? The government must take decisive action rather than merely campaign," the editorial directed at the BJP-led administration at the Centre.
"PM Modi appears rattled by the Pahalgam attack and has returned prematurely from his visit to Saudi Arabia. Rahul Gandhi has also cancelled his trip to the US. It is customary for the government to convene an all-party meeting following the 'Pahalgam' attack. However, what can a government that consistently suppresses opposition voices and refuses to address any issue in Parliament, from Kashmir to Manipur, achieve by calling an all-party meeting? The Home Minister is not serious about national security, as he has failed to safeguard the lives of the populace. The removal of the Home Minister is a demand from all parties. If the government is unwilling to entertain that request, then what is the purpose of these meetings?" the Shiv Sena(UBT) questioned in the editorial.
Further criticizing the BJP-led government at the Centre, the editorial stated: "It has been quite some time since Article 370 was abrogated, yet the government fails to disclose what it has accomplished by revoking Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. The government has made significant cuts to the Army and slashed funds for the Defence Department. This situation is dangerous. They did not equip the army units in Pulwama with aircraft, leaving the safety of countless tourists in Pahalgam at risk. Now that the attack has occurred and the public is outraged over the loss of innocent lives, the government appears to be scrambling."
