*Altaf Thakur demands legal action against Tariq Karra, Says remarks on SPOs killing undermine Security Forces*
*Congress chief’s statement irresponsible, threatens morale of Army personnel* *BJP J&K calls for accountability under law, says allegations against Army cannot be made casually*
Srinagar, Nov 15:
BJP Jammu and Kashmir spokesperson Altaf Thakur on Sunday strongly condemned the statement of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra, demanding strict legal action against him for making what he termed as irresponsible, provocative and demoralising remarks against the Army.
Thakur said Karra’s statement, in which he claimed that information received from the Congress district president suggested that Army personnel had mistaken two persons for terrorists and shot them dead, was extremely serious and amounted to casting aspersions on the professionalism and conduct of the security forces without establishing facts.
He said such statements from a senior political leader were unacceptable, particularly at a time when security personnel were performing challenging duties to safeguard the lives of people and maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Making unverified allegations against the Army and questioning its conduct is not political accountability; it is an attempt to undermine the morale of our security forces. The Army has made enormous sacrifices in protecting the nation, and its personnel deserve respect, not politically motivated insinuations,” Thakur said.
He demanded that the authorities examine Karra’s remarks and initiate appropriate legal proceedings under relevant provisions of law, if the statement is found to attract criminal liability.
“Nobody is above the law, irrespective of political position. If someone has credible evidence, they should approach the competent authorities and seek a fair investigation instead of making sweeping allegations before the media. Such statements can damage public confidence and demoralise forces operating in difficult circumstances,” he said.
Thakur said Congress leadership must clarify whether Karra’s remarks reflected the official position of the party and asked it to exercise responsibility while commenting on sensitive security-related matters.
He maintained that accountability and a transparent investigation were essential in any incident involving civilian casualties, but insisted that conclusions should not be drawn on the basis of hearsay or political statements.
“National security and the dignity of our forces must not become instruments of political rhetoric,” Thakur added.
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