Dilip Ghosh slams J&K Govt over terror attack, says Modi crushed ‘serpent’s head’, blames separatists for chaos

Former BJP state president and ex-MP Dilip Ghosh on Friday criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government for its handling of the recent terror attack in the region. While addressing the media during a morning walk at New Town Eco Park, Ghosh said that despite the abrogation of Article 370 nearly six years ago and the region’s gradual return to normalcy, the current elected administration had failed to prevent the violence. He stated, "Now there is gunfire, and the elected government has to answer why such a major disaster occurred under their watch."

Ghosh cited his personal visits to Leh-Ladakh and Amarnath post-Article 370 abrogation and claimed there were large crowds and peaceful conditions. “I saw with my own eyes the massive turnout. There was no trouble,” he said. According to him, approximately 1.5 crore tourists visited annually based on the central government’s assurances, and the current unrest had disrupted this stability, impacting the local economy. He added that hotel vacancies were rising and locals were left uncertain about their livelihood.

He alleged that separatist elements were attempting to mislead the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. According to him, the region had shown signs of economic progress, with people employed and financially stable, which did not align with the objectives of terrorist groups. Ghosh stated, “No one was willing to pick up guns anymore. So now they are scaring tourists to force people back into violence.”

Commenting on the government's response, Ghosh said the central government had sent the Home Minister immediately after the attack. He also referred to past military actions such as surgical strikes, stating, “I believe the government will do something similar again.” Ghosh said Modi “crushed the serpent’s head,” referring to prior operations against terrorism, but warned that occasional threats may still arise.

Ghosh also addressed the recent controversy involving Suvendu Adhikari, who has been taken to court for a comment. He remarked, “People sometimes say such things emotionally or by mistake. Even our Chief Minister says such things. The Prime Minister gets trolled too.” He accused political opponents of aligning with extremist elements and described such actions as political desperation.

On cross-border matters, Ghosh discussed the case of a Bengali BSF jawan who had reportedly crossed into Bangladesh and was detained. He drew parallels with past incidents and expressed confidence in a safe return, citing the example of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. He also commented on India-Bangladesh relations, saying India had exercised restraint and must not punish an entire country for the actions of a few. He concluded by supporting the government's ₹20 lakh reward for information on the terrorists involved, adding, “Kashmir is heaven. I’ve felt it. This should be the last such incident.”