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BJP and Congress engaged in war of words over Pahalgam terror attack. While Congress asked Centre to take responsibility, the BJP accused Congress of giving clean chit to Pakistan.
Pahalgam terror attack: Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar sparks row (PTI File Image)
The political slugfest over the Pahalgam terror attack is showing no signs of ending, with yet another controversy erupting over the killings of tourists. The BJP slammed Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar for questioning the legitimacy of the victims’ revelations of being targeted on religious lines.
The Congress MLA’s remarks were in line with RB Timmapur, Karnataka’s Excise Minister’s statement, in which the latter said, “A man who is shooting, will he ask caste or religion? He will just shoot and go.”
What Did Vijay Wadettiwar Say?
The Maharashtra Congress MLA reiterated Timmapur’s remarks and asked if the terrorists have time to ask religion of the people before shooting them dead.
“The government should take responsibility for the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack. They (the government) are saying that terrorists killed people after asking them (about their religion). Do terrorists have time for all this?… Some people say that this did not happen. Terrorists have no caste or religion. Catch those who are responsible and take action. This is the sentiment of the country,” he said.
Congress MLA Clarifies His Remarks
After his remarks created outrage, the Congress leader said, “Originally, terrorists came and took lives, and no one asked about caste or religion. If religion was asked, it means their intention could be to destabilize the country, create division between communities and religions, and harm the country. When the terrorists in India asked people to recite the Kalma, it clearly reflects the political motives of Pakistan behind this. Terrorists have no caste, no religion. Watching this, we should not divide the country. Their objective is to destroy the country.”
He said that the Congress stands firmly with the government on the matter.
Notably, several survivors have revealed how killings took place at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam on April 22. They said that the tourists were asked to recite Kalma and ascertain their religious identity, and those who failed to do so were shot dead on the spot.
BJP Slams Vijay Wadettiwar
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla alleged that the Congress leaders are “competing to give a clean chit to Pakistan”.
“Now Vijay Wadettiwar says that the government is responsible, Pakistan is not responsible, and is there any proof that terrorists killed people based on religion. In the all-party meeting, they will say that Pakistan is responsible, take action against Pakistan, take action against terrorists, and we are with you. And after the all-party meeting, they say don’t take action against Pakistan,” the BJP leader said.