BJP Challenges Opposition to Debate on Terrorism

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has challenged the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Congress to an open debate on issues of terrorism, violence, and public safety in Jammu and Kashmir, while criticizing their governance during the unrest of the 1990s. BJP J&K in-charge Tarun Chugh emphasized the party's commitment to zero tolerance for terrorism and highlighted a significant decline in violence and civilian casualties since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. He stated that terrorist incidents have decreased from 228 in 2018 to just 11 this year, and civilian casualties have dropped dramatically from an average of 60-70 annually to only 14 this year. Chugh also accused the opposition parties of fostering an environment that encouraged violence and stone-pelting. The BJP is prepared for a televised debate moderated by a journalist to discuss these critical issues. This challenge comes in the context of the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory.