National Conference cabinet minister Sakina Itoo on Thursday accused the opposition BJP of misleading the people of Jammu with empty promises during the 2024 Assembly elections.
Interacting with the media outside the Assembly premises, she said, “The BJP will not be able to fulfil anything mentioned in its 2024 election manifesto.”
She added, “Isn’t this the same party that promised people here jobs and ₹10 lakh in their bank accounts? Didn’t they speak about having a Hindu Chief Minister here in J&K? They have nothing to say.”
Her comments came after a heated debate in the House over the establishment of a law university in the Union Territory. The minister dismissed the opposition’s demand as a publicity stunt. She said, “They now want to pacify people by demanding a law university. But the people are sensible, and they can see through such tactics. There is nothing special about a law university; it can be established anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla, Kupwara or Anantnag. Students from Jammu will travel there to study. Why is it an issue now?”
Itoo also accused the BJP of double standards, “We saw what people associated with the BJP did during a recent controversy involving students at Vaishno Devi College. These are the same people who celebrated the closure of the medical college.”
“Look at how they treated the 50 students at Vaishno Devi College. If the government and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah were not serious about securing their admissions, what would have happened to their future? They did not let those 50 students suffer. Now, if Muslim students come to study at a law university in Jammu, will they face the same treatment?” she asked.
She emphasised, “Jammu and Kashmir are one. Whether the university is in Kashmir or Baramulla, students from Jammu will go there to study. They always talk about equality, but when it is time to show it, they take a different route.”
Itoo further said, “The police in J&K remain under the LG’s administration, and it is they who get people beaten up when they demand their rights.”
“We do not have control over the police; they are under the LG. People are asking for their rights, and they are met with batons,” she added.
Also read: Manhunt widens for juvenile home escapee, 5 detained in Jammu
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