1. Home
2. Jammu Kashmir

Don’t take her seriously, Guv on Mehbooba’s demand

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 2/7/2019 12:51:15 PM

‘Directions stand to probe excesses’

JAMMU, Feb 6: Governor Satya Pal Malik Wednesday set aside the PDP president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s demand for action against an army officer and stated that she should not be taken seriously as her demand “aimed at only garnering public support in wake of ensuing elections.”
Malik said that Mehbooba, finding her in crisis as her party was collapsing, was just trying to whip up emotions which she used in the past to come to power.
Governor was responding to media queries on the sidelines of a function in the University of Jammu.
With regard to action against the army Major who allegedly tortured a Pulwama resident and threatened to kill him, he said that the investigation was underway and directions had already been given to probe and take action in case of excesses, if any, by security forces.
On Tuesday Mehbooba had demanded action against one Major Shukla, who allegedly tortured a Pulwama resident, Tauseef Wani, at the Shadimarg camp of the army and threatened to kill him in an encounter.
Replying to a question pertaining to Mehbooba’s demand for action against the guilty officer, Governor said, “Chunav Ka Waqt Hai Unki Party Toot Rahi Hai, Khraab Haal Mein Hai…. Woh Isi Kism Ki Support Se Taaqat Mein Aayi Hain. Woh Pareshaan Hain …Aap Log Unsay Sympathy Kyun Nahin Rakhtay …(This is election time. Her party is collapsing,… it’s in bad shape ….hence such statements to garner support… She in the past also used such statements to whip up emotions to garner support to come to power. She is in crisis, Why don’t you sympathise with her…).”
The Governor said he stood behind the security forces and would not allow such statements to demoralise the security forces. “Unhein Seriously Lenay Ki Zaroorat Nahin Hai (She needs not to be taken seriously). We will not allow the morale of the security forces to be affected by statements like that of Mehbooba Mufti,” Malik said.
“I stand by our forces. Wherever there are atrocities, we take action. We’ve given directions that excesses, if any, by security forces, must be probed and action must be taken. In some such cases with regard to the police force, we came to know about excess. In those cases, we’re taking action and are transferring all of them (erring police personnel). But we still stand by our forces,” he added.
Earlier Governor, while participating in the 25th annual day celebration of All Ladakh Student Welfare Association, Jammu (ALSWAJ), in the University of Jammu, emphasized the importance of student unions stating that these provided an apt platform for students to develop their personality and confidence. He also quoted examples of various student unions which produced great leaders for the country.
Observing that only those countries reach the pinnacle of progress which give considerable attention to their education system, Governor stressed the need for bringing far reaching changes in the prevalent education system in the country and improve the quality of research.
Emphasising the empowerment that comes through education, Governor noted that it is the only tool that could lead a person to achieve his dreams irrespective of his background. He urged the young generation to participate in curricular and extracurricular activities for their holistic development.
Governor assured the ALSWAJ that all the demands submitted by the Union relating to construction and upgradation of hostels, facilitating economical air fares to Ladakh, expediting construction of Zojila Tunnel and Z Morh etc would be duly addressed.
Governor appreciated the quality cultural programme presented on the occasion which included Balti folk song, Jabro dance, Aryan dance, Shina folk song etc.
Haji Anayat Ali, Chairman Legislative Council was the guest of honour; Feroz Ahmed Khan, CEC LAHDC Kargil, and Sonam Wangchuk, Ramon Magsaysay and Rolex Award winner were the special guests on the occasion.
Governor also appreciated the efforts of Sonam Wangchuk who is working towards bringing reforms in the education system by promoting experiential learning via practical application of knowledge.
He congratulated the ALSWAJ on the occasion of its 25th annual day and observed that he cherished participating in functions of Student Unions and Associations as they reminded him of his years as a college student and his experiences as a student leader.