BJP national general secretary and party in-charge for Jammu & Kashmir, Tarun Chugh, vehemently criticized National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday for his remarks undermining Operation Sindoor, a vital campaign against terrorism in the region. Chugh’s comments came amidst ongoing tensions resulting from counter-terror efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, raising questions about the respect for security forces’ sacrifices.
Chugh responded directly to Abdullah’s claim that the operation “did not achieve anything” saying it was “shameful” that the NC leader and his family “do not respect the sacrifices of the Armed forces.” He highlighted that these forces had thwarted multiple terrorist training centres in Pakistan following the tragic death of 26 civilians in Pahalgam at the hands of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.
Focusing on the operational significance of Operation Sindoor, Chugh mentioned that the **recent blast at the Nowgam Police Station** serves as “yet another reminder” of the bravery displayed by security personnel combating Pakistan-backed terror plots.
In a hard-hitting critique, Chugh accused the Abdullah family, along with other regional political leaders, of playing into the hands of Pakistani interests, stating it was “shocking” for Abdullah to undermine the security forces at a time when Jammu and Kashmir Police and intelligence agencies had successfully uncovered one of the largest terror plots in recent years.
Chugh directly challenged Abdullah, questioning whether he wished to empathize with those responsible for hoarding 2,900 kilograms of explosives intended to kill innocent civilians. He described the foiled terrorist conspiracy as “colossal in scale,” emphasizing that the potential devastation could have been immeasurable had it not been intercepted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and its allied agencies.
Reflecting on the human cost of recent events, Chugh noted the tragic loss of nine revenue and police personnel in the Nowgam Police Station blast while handling the seized explosives, describing the incident as “heartbreaking for the entire nation.” This tragedy underscored the stakes involved in the ongoing struggle against terrorism.
The BJP leader accused Abdullah of ignoring the sacrifices made by vigilantes and instead using the moment to echo narratives favoring Pakistan. Chugh stated that rather than paying tribute to those who saved countless lives, Abdullah’s rhetoric aligned disturbingly with the sentiments expressed by the Pakistani Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Chugh’s remarks suggest deepening political divides, especially in the light of regional party alliances. He claimed that Abdullah’s stance exposed the so-called ‘Gupkar Gang,’ which aims to unite various political factions against the BJP, and questioned whether the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi endorsed such controversial positions while promoting their “Mohabbat Ki Dukaan” political campaign.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding Operation Sindoor and the national security measures in Jammu and Kashmir highlights a pivotal moment in the regional political landscape. As the BJP seeks to reinforce its narrative of strong national security, the reactions from opposition leaders like Abdullah will continue to shape public discourse.
